Word Study
jess
CIDE DICTIONARY
jess, n. [OF. gies, giez, prop. pl. of giet, get, jet, F. jet, a throwing, jess. See Jet a shooting forth.].
A short strap of leather or silk secured round the leg of a hawk, to which the leash or line, wrapped round the falconer's hand, was attached when used. See Illust. of Falcon. [1913 Webster]
"Like a hawk, which feeling freed
From bells and jesses which did let her flight." [1913 Webster]
From bells and jesses which did let her flight." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
jess, n. & v.
--n. a short strap of leather, silk, etc., put round the leg of a hawk in falconry.
--v.tr. put jesses on (a hawk etc.).
--n. a short strap of leather, silk, etc., put round the leg of a hawk in falconry.
--v.tr. put jesses on (a hawk etc.).
Etymology
ME ges f. OF ges, get ult. f. L jactus a throw f. jacere jact- to throw
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