What is the difference between reign and rein?
As nouns the difference between reign and rein is that reign is the exercise of sovereign power while rein is a strap or rope attached to the bridle or bit, used to control a horse, animal or young child or rein can be a kidney. As verbs the difference between reign and rein is that reign is to exercise sovereign power, or to rule as a monarch while rein is to direct or stop a horse by using reins.
reign
English
Noun
(en noun )
The exercise of sovereign power.
- England prospered under Elizabeth I.’s reign .
* Prior
- Saturn’s sons received the threefold reign / Of heaven, of ocean, and deep hell beneath.
The period during which a monarch rules.
- The reign of Victoria was a long one.
The territory or sphere over which a kingdom; empire; realm; dominion, etc. is ruled.
- (Spenser)
Verb
(en verb )
To exercise sovereign power, or to rule as a monarch
- He reigned in an autocratic manner.
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rein
English
Etymology 1
(etyl) reyne, from (etyl) resne (Modern French .
Noun
(en noun )
A strap or rope attached to the bridle or bit, used to control a horse, animal or young child.
(figurative) An instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing.
* Milton
- Let their eyes rove without rein .
Verb
(en verb )
To direct or stop a horse by using reins.
* Chapman
- He mounts and reins his horse.
To restrain; to control; to check.
* Shakespeare
- Being once chafed, he cannot / Be reined again to temperance.
Derived terms
* free rein
* hold the reins
* keep a tight rein on
* draw rein
* rein back
* rein in
* rein up
* take the reins
Etymology 2
From (etyl) reines, (etyl) reins, and their source, (etyl) .
Noun
(en noun )
A kidney.
*, II.12:
*:a man subject to these like imaginations.
*1611 , (King James Bible), :
*:He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins .
The inward impulses; the affections and passions, formerly supposed to be located in the area of the kidneys.
*Bible, Proverbs xxiii. 16
*:My reins rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
*Bible, Revelations ii. 23
*:I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts.
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