Main Entry:

¹rein

Pronunciation:

\ˈrān\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English reine, from Anglo-French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin *retina, from Latin retinēre to restrain — more at retain

Date:

14th century

1: a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal —usually used in plural2 a: a restraining influence : check <kept a tight rein on the proceedings> b: controlling or guiding power —usually used in plural <the reins of government>3: opportunity for unhampered activity or use <gave full rein to her imagination>

[rein illustration]