reins, connection
羈 centers on physical restraint and the resulting bond: reins that control a horse, and by extension any connection that ties things together.
羈 combines 罒 (net) with 䩻 (a component containing 革 leather and 馬 horse), suggesting a leather bridle or net-like reins used to control a horse.
A net 罒 is placed over a horse 馬 with leather straps 革, forming the reins that connect rider to horse.
For キ, imagine holding the reins as a key connection: key -> キ, and the reins are the key link between you and the horse.
freedom; liberty; independence
free-spirited and uninhibited
free and independent
free-spirited and uninhibited
acting according to one's own beliefs, being undisturbed by others
stubbornly sticking to one's own convictions; being stubbornly independent
fetters; shackles; restraints; bond; connection
tying down; fastening; binding