lease

Definition

An interest in land granting exclusive use or occupation of real estate for a limited period; a leasehold.

Etymology

From Middle English *lesen, from Anglo-Norman *leser, Old French lesser, laisier (“to let, let go”), partly from Latin laxō (“to loose”) and partly from Old High German lāzan (“to let, let go, release”) (German lassen), cognate with Old English lǣtan (“to allow, let go, leave, rent”) whence let.

Example Sentences

• "Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date:"