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Definitions

English > English
rein
1. n. A strap or rope attached to a bridle or bit, used to control a horse, animal or young child.
2. n. (figurative) An instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing.
3. v. To direct or stop a horse by using reins.
4. v. To restrain; to control; to check.
5. n. (now rare, archaic, chiefly in plural) A kidney.
6. n. The inward impulses; the affections and passions, formerly supposed to be located in the area of the kidneys.

Pronunciation

Example Sentences

When I was a girl, they had free rein.  This would keep barristers under a much stricter and necessary rein.  So I drifted into the backwaters of your consciousness, occasionally called upon to do the odd bit part in one of your dreams, but pretty much given a free rein to do what I wanted.  Somebody ought to keep a tight rein on you.

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