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.
(Reinis,) Renis, n. pl. Also: reyn-; rayn-; rheen-, rean- and -(e)s and sing. rien. [ME and e.m.E. reynes, reenes (Wyclif), reynyez (14th c.), also sing. in attrib. use, OF reins, rens, L. rēnes pl.] The reins.
1. The kidneys. b. The part of the body where the kidneys are situated; the loins.c1520-c1535 Nisbet Ep. Ald Test. vi 5.
And faith (salbe) the belt of his renes (or neres) [P. reynes] 1587 Carmichael Etym. 6.
Ren, rien c1615 Chron. Kings 122.
He is schott with ane boillatt of leid ane littill benethe the naweill and to his renis 1681 Colvil Whig's Suppl. (1681) i 92.
Some for laughter burst their rheens [: spleens]
2. The seat of the feelings or affections.1554 Knox III 186.
Lord of Hostis, … thow that seis the reynis and the heart c1590 Fowler I 225/8.
Lesbia … Quha … wonds my raynes 1600-1610 Melvill 423.
As the cersar of harts and reanes knawes [etc.]
