Dictionary
rein
Pronunciation: (rān), [key]—
n.
1. Often,
reins. a leather strap, fastened to each end of the bit of a bridle, by which the rider or driver controls a horse or other animal by pulling so as to exert pressure on the bit. See illus. under
harness.
2. any of certain other straps or thongs forming part of a harness, as a checkrein.
3. any means of curbing, controlling, or directing; check; restraint.
4. reins,the controlling or directing power:
the reins of government.
5. draw rein, to curtail one's speed or progress; halt:
The rider saw the snake and drew rein sharply.
6. give rein to, to give complete freedom to; indulge freely:
to give rein to one's imagination. Also,give free rein to,give full rein to.
—
v.t.
1. to check or guide (a horse or other animal) by exerting pressure on a bridle bit by means of the reins.
2. to curb; restrain; control.
—
v.i.
1. to obey the reins:
a horse that reins well.
2. to rein a horse or other animal.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.