reins

[ reynz ]

plural noun

1. the kidneys.
2. the region of the kidneys, or the lower part of the back.
3. (especially in Biblical use) the seat of the feelings or affections, formerly identified with the kidneys.

reins

/ reɪnz /

plural noun

1. archaic.
   the kidneys or loins

Word History and Origins

Origin of reins¹

before 1000; Middle English reines, reenes < Old French reins; compare Old English (once) rēnys; both < Latin rēnēs kidneys, loins (plural); renal

Word History and Origins

Origin of reins¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin rēnēs the kidneys

Example Sentences

When Trump and his crew take the reins again, I expect the machinery of power to run on revenge, to silence those who dissent, to remake this place in a darker image.

From Salon

But it was running back Marks who once again proved to be the steadying hand, even as a new quarterback took the reins.

From Los Angeles Times

When he was sacked, the fans were furious and the decision to hand the reins to Daniele de Rossi seemed a way to placate supporters rather than to serve a long-term vision.

From BBC

He bounced between three high schools in two states before taking the reins as a freshman at Nevada Las Vegas last season.

From Los Angeles Times

That frustrating late defeat against the Poles at Hampden is increasingly looking like a blow to the prospect of reaching a first World Cup since 1998, when Brown had the reins.

From BBC