Reeans [or reins]

These are medieval and are primitive forms of agriculture. The ground is ploughed to make level strips, or reins, or reeans of land. These would typically be farmed by one family for their own needs. Level land retained the moisture. This was down to a fine art in my village and they diverted streams as well. 

For more info google   ART. XXXIV. The Reeans of High Furness. By Rev. T. ELLWOOD, M.A., rector of Torver. Read at Lancaster, Sept. 18th, 1890

I have a copy of the original..... .