reins

American  

[reynz] / reɪnz /

plural noun

1. the kidneys.

2. the region of the kidneys, or the lower part of the back.

3. (especially in Biblical use) the seat of the feelings or affections, formerly identified with the kidneys.

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reins British  

/ reɪnz /

plural noun

1. archaic the kidneys or loins

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Etymology

Origin of reins

before 1000; Middle English reines, reenes < Old French reins; compare Old English (once) rēnys; both < Latin rēnēs kidneys, loins (plural); renal

Example Sentences

They also acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who had worked with Carroll in Seattle, to take the reins at quarterback.

From The Wall Street Journal

He started off as the second-string quarterback, but when starter Austin Simmons hurt his ankle in the second week of the season, Chambliss grabbed the reins.

From The Wall Street Journal

He had turned the ship around and could have handed the reins to a more meticulous leader capable of taking England to the next level.

From BBC

The same year Bonham took the reins of the agency, the first gray wolf the state had hosted in nearly a century wandered in from Oregon.

From Los Angeles Times

Myanmar's military has ruled the Southeast Asian country for most of its post-independence history, before a 10-year interlude saw a civilian government take the reins in a burst of optimism and reform.

From Barron's