See Also: jess(dictionary)

jess (iou)



jess noun & verb. ME.
[Old French ges nom. sing. & accus. pl. of get (mod. jet cast) from Proto-Romance var. of Latin jactus a throw, from jacere to throw.]
A. noun. A short strap of leather, silk, or other material fastened round each of the legs of a hawk used in falconry, usu. having a small ring to which a leash may be attached. Usu. in pl. ME.
B. verb trans. Put jesses on (a hawk). M19.
jessed adjective (of a hawk) furnished with or wearing jesses; Heraldry having jesses of a specified tincture: E17.