checkrein

[ chek-reyn ]

noun

1. a short rein reins passing from the bit to the saddle of a harness, to prevent the horse from lowering its head. Compare overcheck ( def 2 ), sidecheck.
2. a short rein reins joining the bit of one of a span of horses to the driving rein reins of the other.

checkrein

/ ˈtʃɛkˌreɪn /

noun

1. the usual US word for bearing rein

Word History and Origins

Origin of checkrein¹

First recorded in 1800–10; check ¹ + rein

Example Sentences

A short rein looped over the check hook or the hames to keep the horse's head up; Ð called in the United States a checkrein.

From Project Gutenberg

The system of checks and balances which it sets up has enabled the growing nation to adapt itself to every need and at the same time to checkrein every bid for arbitrary power.

From Project Gutenberg

Helena Huntington Smith, who actually wrote and arranged his reminiscences, instead of currying him down and putting a checkrein on him, spurred him in the flanks and told him to swaller his head.

From Project Gutenberg

Nature drives by two reins, and one is a checkrein.

From Project Gutenberg