leash Hear it!

leash definition

leash (lēs̸h)

noun

  1. a cord, strap, etc. by which a dog or other animal is held in check
  2. Hunting a set of three, as of hounds; brace and a half

Etymology: ME lese < OFr lesse, length of cord, leash < laissier, to let, permit < laxare, to lighten, relieve < laxus, loose: see lax

transitive verb

  1. to attach a leash to
  2. to check or control by or as by a leash
leash Idioms

hold in leash

to control; curb; restrain

strain at the leash

to be impatient to have freedom from restraint

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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