9 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.)
- Without a word he shook his reins, the horses turned, and we swept into the darkness of the pass.Chapter 1 (74% in)
- The driver again took his seat, and shaking his reins, started off at a great pace.Chapter 1 (84% in)
- As I stood, the driver jumped again into his seat and shook the reins.Chapter 2 (4% in)
- I suppose it is that sickness and weakness are selfish things and turn our inner eyes and sympathy on ourselves, whilst health and strength give love rein, and in thought and feeling he can wander where he wills.Chapter 10 (62% in)
- I give rein to them, and they go on so patient.Chapter 27 (16% in)
- I find myself bolt up, with the reins in my hand, and the good horses go along jog, jog, just as ever.Chapter 27 (18% in)
- Instinctively they reined in, and at the instant Lord Godalming and Jonathan dashed up at one side and Dr. Seward and Mr. Morris on the other.Chapter 27 (81% in)
- Seeing that they were surrounded the men tightened their reins and drew up.Chapter 27 (82% in)
- The leader, with a quick movement of his rein, threw his horse out in front, and pointed first to the sun, now close down on the hill tops, and then to the castle, said something which I did not understand.Chapter 27 (83% in)
There are no more uses of "rein" in Dracula.
Typical Usage
(best examples)