n. The strap of a bridle, fastened to the curb or snaffle on each side, by which the rider or driver restrains and guides the animal driven; any thong or cord used for the same purpose. See cut under harness.n. A rope of twisted and greased rawhide.n. plural The handles of blacksmiths' tongs, on which the ring or coupler slides.n. Figuratively, any means of curbing, restraining, or governing; government; restraint.To govern, guide, or restrain by reins or a bridle.To restrain; control.To carry stiffly, as a horse does its head or neck under a bearing-rein.To obey the reins.n. An obsolete singular of reins.