8 uses
(click/touch triangles for details)
Definition
to restrain or control; or a means of control
The meaning of rein depends upon its context. For example:
- "keep a tight rein on the new employee," or "rein in a horse" — to control or restrain
- "give the new employee free rein," or "give the horse full rein" — do not restrain
- "the reins of government" — means of control
- "the reins of the horse" — leather straps used with a bit to control a horse
- On nearing the cattle-shed she was met by a boy bringing a milking-pail, who held the reins of the pony whilst she slid off.Chapters 1-3 (70% in)
- It came from the man who held the reins.Chapters 4-6 (79% in)
- Shepherd Oak, Jan Coggan, Moon, Poorgrass, Cain Ball, and several others were assembled here, all dripping wet to the very roots of their hair, and Bathsheba was standing by in a new riding-habit—the most elegant she had ever worn—the reins of her horse being looped over her arm.Chapters 19-21 (9% in)
- Tall scrambled off to the field, and in two minutes was on Poll, the bay, bare-backed, and with only a halter by way of rein.Chapters 19-21 (83% in)
- Though on foot, he held the reins and whip, and occasionally aimed light cuts at the horse's ear with the end of the lash, as a recreation.Chapters 37-39 (75% in)
- "Stay where you are, and attend to the horse!" said Troy, peremptorily throwing her the reins and the whip.Chapters 37-39 (92% in)
- Troy then came on towards his wife, stepped into the gig, took the reins from her hand, and without making any observation whipped the horse into a trot.Chapters 37-39 (97% in)
- About half-an-hour later she invigorated herself by an effort, and took her seat and the reins as usual—in external appearance much as if nothing had happened.Chapters 46-48 (87% in)
There are no more uses of "rein" in Far from the Madding Crowd.
Typical Usage
(best examples)