Reins (rānz), n. pl. [F. rein, pl. reins, fr. L. ren, pl. renes.] 1. The kidneys; also, the region of the kidneys; the loins.
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.
My reins rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. Prov. xxiii. 16.
I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts. Rev. ii. 23.
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.