1. reins - Noun
2. reins - Verb
The kidneys; also, the region of the kidneys; the loins.
The inward impulses; the affections and passions; -- so called because formerly supposed to have their seat in the part of the body where the kidneys are.
Source: Webster's dictionaryGood and evil, reward and punishment, are the only motives to a rational creature these are the spur and reins whereby all mankind are set on work, and guided. John Locke
It is easy to see that, even in the freedom of early youth, an American girl never quite loses control of herself; she enjoys all permitted pleasures without losing her head about any of them, and her reason never lets the reins go, though it may often seem to let them flap. Alexis de Tocqueville
The reins of government have been so long slackened, that I fear the people will not quietly submit to those restraints which are necessary for the peace and security of the community. Abigail Adams
If passion drives, let reason hold the reins. American Proverb
When your horse in on the brink of a precipice, it is too late to pull the reins. Chinese Proverb
On an uphill road, give your horse his reins. Darkovan Proverb