Definition of rein

The word "rein" is commonly used in English to refer to a strap or whip used to guide and control horses while riding. Interestingly, the origin of this term is rooted in several different European languages. The word "rein" stems from the Old French "reigne" which translates to "rein" in modern French. In Old French, "reigne" was also spelled "ryen," which is likely where the English word's modern spelling comes from. This French word itself can be traced back to the Latin "regnare," meaning "to check" or "to rein in." However, the Old French term is not the only source of the English word. It is also rooted in the Old High German "rihno," which means "ridge pole" or "horsehair plait," and the Old High German "rangeh" that translates to "bridle rein." Both these Old German words likely formed part of the Germanic lexicon before the Norman Conquest and were carried over into Middle English as part of the Anglo-Norman language. In context, when we say "take the reins" in English, we're using an idiom that's based on the literal use of the word in horse riding to imply taking control of a situation. The history of "rein" serves as a perfect example of the way languages can evolve and change through the intermingling of different linguistic traditions.