reest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Archaic / DialectalInformal / Dialectal / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “reest” mean?
To stop moving forward or proceeding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To stop moving forward or proceeding; to balk, resist, or refuse to go on. Often used for a horse that stops stubbornly.
A dialectal verb (chiefly Northern English and Scottish) meaning to arrest the progress of; to stop stubbornly; to become restive. Can also mean to cure or smoke (fish or meat) by drying in smoke or over a fire, though this is an archaic and rare usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is almost exclusively found in British dialects (Northern England, Scotland). It is virtually unknown in general American English.
Connotations
In British dialectal use, it connotes stubbornness and refusal, often in a rural or working context (e.g., with horses).
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, but marginally attested in historical and dialectal British sources. Not in active American use.
Grammar
How to Use “reest” in a Sentence
[Subject] reests[Subject] reests at [object/place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reest” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old cart horse would often reest at the steep hill.
- He couldn't get the pony to move; it just reested by the gate.
American English
- (Not used. An American might say) The mule balked at the creek. (Not 'reested').
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. Possibly) a reesting animal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in standard everyday English.
Technical
Potentially in historical texts on animal husbandry or obscure regional crafts (smoking meat).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reest”
- Using it in standard modern contexts.
- Spelling as 'reast' or 'reist'.
- Assuming it is a common verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, dialectal, and largely archaic verb.
It is primarily for animals, especially horses, but can be figuratively extended to mean a person being stubbornly resistant.
They are synonyms in the equestrian context, but 'balk' is standard modern English, while 'reest' is dialectal.
Yes, but this is an entirely separate, obsolete meaning (to cure by smoking). The two 'reest' verbs have different etymologies.
To stop moving forward or proceeding.
Reest is usually informal / dialectal / archaic in register.
Reest: in British English it is pronounced /riːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /rist/ or /riːst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a horse that needs a REST, so it REESTS and refuses to move.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVING FORWARD IS PROGRESS / STUBBORNNESS IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'reest' most accurately used?