REIN, noun [Latin retina, retinaculum. If contracted from the Latin, it is from retineo, otherwise from the root of arrest.] 1. The strap of a bridle, fastened to the curb or snaffle on each side, by which the rider of a horse restrains and governs him. 2. The instrument of curbing, restraining or governing; government. To give the reins, to give license; to leave without restraint. To take the reins, to take the guidance or government. REIN, verb transitive 1. To govern by a bridle. 2. To restrain; to control.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI