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

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

The lesson Roberts took from this losing streak was simple: If you can’t beat them, join them—and if you join them, you might as well take the reins.

From Slate

Steve Bannon, the far-right powerbroker who served as a key Donald Trump advisor from 2015 to 2017, has an idea: let Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., take the reins at the Department of Homeland Security.

From Salon

As a political lefty who has also admired Musk’s business successes, the scariest thing about his taking the reins of government is that his bulldozing, take-no-prisoners style has frequently paid off.

From Slate

We suffered and died because Trump was the one holding the reins when a pandemic took hold.

From Slate