Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

(Rein,) Reyn(e, v. Also: rain. [ME and e.m.E. reinen (14th c.), reyn(e (c1435), rayn(e (1530), also rene (v.r., Cath. Angl.). Cf. obs. F. rêner ‘which may have existed in AN’ (OED), Renȝe v.¹] tr. a. To attach (a horse) (to something) by means of a rein. Also fig. b. ? To furnish with, or ? to control by means of, a rein or reins. c. fig. To control or govern (a person). = Renȝe v.¹ 2 b.a. 1456 Hay II 7/23.
He … gert him sytt doune in the herber, and reyne his horse, and rest him a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 129.
The knyght … Reynit his palfray of pryde, Quhen he ves lightit dounefig. a1651 Calderwood III 306.
Of the which it is not the least to reyne your self to the Kirkb. 1513 Doug. ix x 38.
To dant and reyn the horssis ayr and layt, That is thar … sport … Or with thar bowys schute, or dartis thrawc. 1611-57 Mure Dido & Æneas i 659.
Lawes and statutes … Wherby good subjects easily are rain'd