The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Reins \Reins\ (r[=a]nz), n. pl. [F. rein, pl. reins, fr. L. ren,
pl. renes.]
1. The kidneys; also, the region of the kidneys; the loins.
[1913 Webster]
2. 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.
[1913 Webster]
My reins rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
--Prov. xxiii.
16.
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I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts. --Rev.
ii. 23.
[1913 Webster]
Reins of a vault (Arch.), the parts between the crown and
the spring or abutment, including, and having especial
reference to, the loading or filling behind the shell of
the vault. The reins are to a vault nearly what the
haunches are to an arch, and when a vault gives way by
thrusting outward, it is because its reins are not
sufficiently filled up.
[1913 Webster]