reins

[ reynz ]

See synonyms for: reins rein on Thesaurus.com

plural noun

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

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

Origin of reins

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

Words Nearby reins

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use reins in a sentence

Two years later, he had released all Soviet dissidents from prison and was beginning to loosen the reins on Soviet bloc countries.
How the Fall of the Berlin Wall Radicalized Putin | Masha Gessen | November 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
She quickly rose through the ranks and was soon given the reins by Mays and Scott.
It Was All a Dream: Drama, Bullshit, and the Rebirth of The Source Magazine | Alex Suskind | October 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In 2017, those reins will be loosened, and Hongkongers will be able to vote for their Chief Executive.
Is Hong Kong Tiananmen 2.0? | Brendon Hong | September 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The driver in his black suit, white shirt, and black tie shook the reins, coaxing the white horses ahead.
Mardi Gras Indian Chief Larry Bannock’s Final Ride | Jason Berry | May 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Louie Mueller handed the reins of the business to his son, Bobby, in 1974, and today it is run by Bobby's son, Wayne.
The Texas Church of Beef | Jane & Michael Stern | April 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

The soldier lackey resigned the reins to Rabecque, and requested Monsieur de Garnache to follow him.
St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
Frank loosened his sword from its fastenings and took a revolver in his left hand, in which he also held the reins.
The Red Year | Louis Tracy
Frank sprang after him and caught the reins before the startled creature could break away.
The Red Year | Louis Tracy
I wonder why wise men choose silly wives always, she added consciously, playing with the reins.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline | Jennie M. Drinkwater
His donkey stumbled—it was natural enough, seeing that the reins hung loose and his feet had somehow left the stirrups.
The Wave | Algernon Blackwood

British Dictionary definitions for reins

reins

/ (reɪnz) /

pl n

archaic the kidneys or loins

Origin of reins

C14: from Old French, from Latin rēnēs the kidneys

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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