neck-rein

[ nek-reyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to guide or direct (a horse) with the pressure of a rein on the opposite side of the neck from the direction in which the rider wishes to travel.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a horse) to respond to such pressure from a rein by going in the desired direction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neck-rein¹

First recorded in 1925–30