leash

[ leesh ]

noun

1. a chain, strap, etc., for controlling or leading a dog or other animal; lead.
2. check; curb; restraint: a tight leash on one's subordinates.

   to keep one's temper in leash;

   a tight leash on one's subordinates.

3. Hunting. a brace and a half, as of foxes or hounds.

verb (used with object)

1. to secure, control, or restrain by or as if by a leash:

   to leash water power for industrial use.

2. to bind together by or as if by a leash; connect; link; associate.

leash

/ liːʃ /

noun

1. a line or rope used to walk or control a dog or other animal; lead
2. something resembling this in function

   he kept a tight leash on his emotions

3. hunting three of the same kind of animal, usually hounds, foxes, or hares
4. straining at the leash
   eagerly impatient to begin something

verb

1. tr to control or secure by or as if by a leash

Word History and Origins

Origin of leash¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English lesh, variant of lece, lese, from Old French laisse; lease ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of leash¹

C13: from Old French laisse, from laissier to loose (hence, to let a dog run on a leash), ultimately from Latin laxus lax

Example Sentences

In 2004, disturbing images from the prison were leaked, including one showing a soldier pulling a naked inmate on a dog leash.

From BBC

“One in five people do not leave home as much as they would like to, because of consideration around a lack of public toilets – it’s called the ‘loo leash’.

From BBC

Ready to be aggressive with his bullpen in Game 5 on Wednesday, after saving his top relief arms in a Game 4 loss the night prior, Roberts knew Flaherty would be on a short leash.

From Los Angeles Times

Too long of a leash, in the eyes of some.

From Los Angeles Times

But one of its election posters is far more sinister, showing six opposition leaders, all held on a leash above the message: "No to war, no to agents."

From BBC

Related Words

• cord
• rope
• strap
• tether