Foundation level · Year 4 · free
rein
noun · Say it: RAYN
What it means
Foundationa long strap fixed to a horse's head, used by the rider to steer it
Lily held the reins tightly as her pony trotted around the field.
Similar and opposite words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- bridle
- strap
More examples
- The riding teacher showed us how to pull the reins to stop.
Where the word comes from
It comes from Old French 'rene', from Latin 'retinere', meaning to hold back.
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One question about “rein”, the way 11+ papers ask it (Foundation level).