Often, reins. a leather strap, fastened to each end of the bit of a bridle, by which the rider or driver controls a horse or other animal by pulling so as to exert pressure on the bit.

any of certain other straps or thongs forming part of a harness, as a checkrein.

any means of curbing, controlling, or directing; check; restraint.

reins, the controlling or directing power

the reins of government.

to check or guide (a horse or other animal) by exerting pressure on a bridle bit by means of the reins.

to curb; restrain; control.

to obey the reins

a horse that reins well.

to rein a horse or other animal. ?

draw rein

to curtail one's speed or progress; halt

The rider saw the snake and drew rein sharply.

give rein to

to give complete freedom to; indulge freely

to give rein to one's imagination. Also, give free rein to, give full rein to.

verb

free , let go

noun

bit , brake , bridle , check , curb , deterrent , governor , halter , harness , hold , line , restriction , [[strapnotes:rain is drops of fresh water that fall as precipitation from clouds; reign is a period during which somebody is dominant or powerful; rein is one of a pair of long leather straps connected to the bit or bridle and used to control a horse or other animal]]

verb

bridle , check , collect , compose , cool , curb , halt , hold , hold back , limit , repress , restrict , simmer down , slow down , smother , [[suppressnotes:rain is drops of fresh water that fall as precipitation from clouds; reign is a period during which somebody is dominant or powerful; rein is one of a pair of long leather straps connected to the bit or bridle and used to control a horse or other animal]] , bit , brake , constrain , hold down , hold in , inhibit , keep , keep back , pull in , control , deterrent , guide , harness , leash , restrain , slow , stop , strap , suppress