reins noun pl. [reɪnz] arch. In attrib. & comb. use in sing. rein (otherwise rare). OE.
[Old & mod. French from Latin renes.]
1. The kidneys. OE.
b. The region of the kidneys; the loins. LME.

2. In biblical use, the seat of the feelings or affections; the heart. LME.
running of the reins: see RUNNING noun.

3. Architecture. The parts of a vault between the crown and abutment. E18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲