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What is the difference between reign and rein?

reign | 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.

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

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

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.

    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
    * rein in

    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.