Definition of: rein

(rān) noun
1. Usually plural A strap attached to the bit to control a horse or other draft animal.
2. Any means of restraint or control; government.
—v.t.
1. To guide, check, or halt with or as with reins.
2. To furnish with reins.
—v.i.
3. To check or halt a horse by means of reins: with in or up.
4. To obey the reins. See synonyms under REPRESS. ♦ Homophones: rain, reign. [<AF redne, OF resne <L retinere. See RETAIN.]