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.

---

reins British  

/ reɪnz /

plural noun

1. archaic the kidneys or loins

---

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

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

Lachlan, who Rupert had already chosen to run the business, is now - definitively - the only one who will take the reins after his father's demise.

From BBC

The military ruled Myanmar 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

The U.S. economy stumbled at the end of the year, new surveys showed, as rising prices tied to tariffs reduced customer demand and spurred businesses to further tighten the reins on hiring.

From MarketWatch