leash

Definition

A strap, cord or rope with which to restrain an animal, often a dog.

Etymology

From Middle English leesshe, leysche, lesshe, a variant of more original lease, from Middle English lees, leese, leece, lese, from Old French lesse (modern French laisse), either from Latin laxa, feminine form of laxus (“loose”) or, more probably, from a deverbal of Old French lesser, laissier, from Latin laxāre (“loose”); compare lax. Doublet of laisse.

Example Sentences

• "A stout woman upholstered in velvet, her flabby cheeks too much massaged, swirled by with her poodle straining at its leash"
• "like a fawning greyhound in the leash"
• "Sirrah, I am sworn brother to a leash of drawers; and can call them all by their Christian names, as, Tom, Dick, and Francis."