Meanings
reins1
- pluralplural of rein
- indicativepresentsingularthird personthird-person singular simple present indicative of rein
reins2
- archaicThe kidneys.
- archaicbroadlyThe loins; the lower part of the back (where the kidneys are located).
- archaicfigurativelyThe seat of affections, feelings, and passions (once thought to have been the kidneys).
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Psalm 139:13–14 - datedarchitecturePart of the supporting structure of a vault between the crown and the abutment.
1 more example
[The Cathedral] of Perpignan has this peculiarity; its vaults, though supported on intersecting arches, are built in accordance with Roman methods, which further prevail both in the forms of the terra-cotta materials, and in the manner of their application. The reins of the vault, which measures some 53 feet across, are ornamented by terra-cotta jars embedded in an admirably prepared lime mortar of great durability.
1893, Édouard Corroyer, edited by Walter Armstrong, Gothic Architecture, New York, Macmillan and Co.
Reins3
- pluralplural of Rein
Synonyms & antonyms
Origin
reins · noun
- Latinrēnes“kidneys”
- Old Frenchreins
- Englishreins
From Old French reins, from Latin rēnes (“kidneys”); see also French rein. Doublet of renal.
More words from Old French, Latin
Full word history & related roots →Rhymes & wordplay
Rhymes with reins
Sounds the same
Anagrams
Cite this entry
reins. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reins
“reins.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reins. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “reins,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/reins.
Source: reins on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.