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reins
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Reins

Reins \Reins\ (r[=a]nz), n. pl. [F. rein, pl. reins, fr. L. ren, pl. renes.]

  1. The kidneys; also, the region of the kidneys; the loins.

  2. The inward impulses; the affections and passions; -- so called because formerly supposed to have their seat in the part of the body where the kidneys are.

    My reins rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
    --Prov. xxiii. 16.

    I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts.
    --Rev. ii. 2

  3. Reins of a vault (Arch.), the parts between the crown and the spring or abutment, including, and having especial reference to, the loading or filling behind the shell of the vault. The reins are to a vault nearly what the haunches are to an arch, and when a vault gives way by thrusting outward, it is because its reins are not sufficiently filled up.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
reins

see rein (n.). Figurative sense "means of controlling; control, check, restraint" is from early 14c.

Wiktionary
reins

Etymology 1 n. 1 (context archaic English) The kidneys. 2 The lower part of the back. 3 (context architecture English) The parts of a vault between the crown and the spring or abutment, including, and having especial reference to, the loading or filling behind the shell of the vault. Etymology 2

n. (plural of rein English) vb. (en-third-person singular of: rein)

WordNet
reins

n. power to control; "the reins of government"

Usage examples of "reins".

He wound both reins in his left hand and promised himself that if he should be unseated, he would lie in the snow and hold them until Rannach came back.

He wept bitter tears as he was picked up and flung into the saddle, clutching desperately at the reins as the animal bucked and the demons whooped and laughed, capering in mimicry of his helplessness.

Without a trace of expression to betray his thoughts, Harm reached out to snag the limp reins and pulled the paint in a wide circle.

He swung down and caught her reins, holding Fandango steady while she crawled down from the saddle.

Amanda was still stewing when Harm grabbed her reins and jerked Fandango around.

In the same movement, he jerked the reins free and slashed back with his heels.

A low nickering sound and the jingle of reins as Fandango pushed through the mesquite, looking for care and companionship.

Within minutes, they were both mounted, Amanda in front holding the reins and Harm leaning into her back.

She dragged back on the reins until he was lying back upon his haunches.

Determined not to be ignored by him, Amanda shinnied off Fandango and went to press the reins upon him.

His reins dropped from her hand as Amanda withdrew from a pain so deep it numbed her.

Without another word to his family, he jerked the reins around and kicked up a quick, distancing canter with Amanda at his heels.

He boosted her into the saddle, and she took the reins and wrapped the cloak tightly around her shoulders.

Jim threw his reins to Bakkat, jerked the small-bore rifle from its sheath and sprang out of the saddle.

With the reins secured round their shoulders they poured powder and shot into the muzzles, and rodded a handful of goose-shot down on top.