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rein

Rein Rein (r?n), n. [F. r[^e]ne, fr. (assumed) LL. retina, fr. L. retinere to hold back. See Retain.] 1. The strap of a bridle, fastened to the curb or snaffle on each side, by which the rider or driver governs the horse. [1913 Webster]

This knight laid hold upon his reyne. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

2. Hence, an instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing; government; restraint. ``Let their eyes rove without rein. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

{To give rein}, {To give the rein to}, to give license to; to leave withouut restrain.

{To take the reins}, to take the guidance or government; to assume control. [1913 Webster]

Rein Rein, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reined (r?nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Reining.] 1. To govern or direct with the reins; as, to rein a horse one way or another. [1913 Webster]

He mounts and reins his horse. --Chapman. [1913 Webster]

2. To restrain; to control; to check. [1913 Webster]

Being once chafed, he can not Be reined again to temperance. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{To rein in} or {To rein up}, (a) to check the speed of, or cause to stop, by drawing the reins. Hence, (a) to cause (a person) to slow down or cease some activity; -- to rein in is used commonly of superiors in a chain of command, ordering a subordinate to moderate or cease some activity deemed excessive. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Rein Rein, v. i. To be guided by reins. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]