Rein
/reɪn/noun
A long, narrow strap attached to a horse's bit used to guide or control the animal.
Did you know?The word 'rein' has roots in ancient ideas of guidance, linking it to the control of powerful forces, both animal and metaphorical.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reg-
“to guide, to rule”
Latin
Latin
regina
“queen, ruler”
Old French
Old French
resne
“a strap or cord”
Middle English
Middle English
reyn
“a strap used for leading or guiding horses”
Modern English
English
rein
“a strap to control a horse, used metaphorically for control over desires or actions.”
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