Reins
/reɪnz/noun
Straps used to guide or control a horse, or figuratively, control over a situation.
Did you know?English *reins* and *rein* come from Old French *resne*, ultimately from a Latin word for a horse’s bridle strap, not from the prefix *re-*.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
LL
retinacula
“ties, fastenings, reins or restraining straps”
Old French
OF
resne
“rein, bridle strap”
Middle English
ME
reyne
“a rein used to guide a horse”
Modern English
EN
rein
“a strap attached to a bridle for controlling a horse”
Modern English
EN
reins
“plural form, especially in literal and figurative use”