靷 (yǐn) - Reins — leather straps used to control a & traces or harness components.

靷Tone 3

yǐn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

懿嘤

靷 · yǐn

Reins — leather straps used to control a horse in ancient Chinese chariots;

traces or harness components.

Reins — leather straps used to control atraces or harness components.

Usage highlights

Horse reinsLeather reinsRein strapChariot reinsRein ring

Synonyms

  • 缰— reins (more common modern term)
  • 辔— bridle, reins (classical term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The charioteer pulled the reins (靷) to steer the horses.
  • Ancient harnesses included leather reins (靷带).
  • The bronze chariot burial included well-preserved reins (铜车马靷).

Collocations

  • Horse reins(马靷)
  • Leather reins(皮靷)
  • Rein strap(靷带)
  • Chariot reins(车靷)
  • Rein ring(靷环)

Idioms

  • To take up the reins and drive(执靷而驰)
  • The reins break and the horses bolt(靷绝马逸)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical texts like the Rites of Zhou (《周礼》) describing chariot equipment.
  • Part of the sophisticated harness system used in ancient Chinese chariot warfare and ceremonies.
  • Reflects the importance of chariots in early Chinese military and aristocratic culture.

FAQ