7 uses
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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 (You might like to think of other senses of rein as being figurative derivations from this sense.)
- She was determined to show no open fear, but she clutched d'Urberville's rein-arm.1 — The Maiden (68% in)
- She made him a sort of nest in front of the hives, in such a manner that he could not fall, and, taking the reins into her own hands, jogged on as before.1 — The Maiden (36% in)
- He loosened rein, and away they went a second time.1 — The Maiden (68% in)
- He drew rein, and as they slowed he was on the point of imprinting the desired salute, when, as if hardly yet aware of her own modesty, she dodged aside.1 — The Maiden (69% in)
- His arms being occupied with the reins there was left him no power to prevent her manoeuvre.1 — The Maiden (69% in)
- He leapt up lightly, arranged the reins, and was gone between the tall red-berried hedges.2 — Maiden No More (15% in)
- As soon as Clare had taken the reins from the ostler, and the young couple had driven off, the two men went in the other direction.4 — The Consequence (75% in)
There are no more uses of "rein" in Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
Typical Usage
(best examples)