01 n. A thong of leather, or a long cord, by which a person may hold or restrain an animal, such as a falconer holding his hawk, or a courser his…
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1.
A thong of leather, or a long cord, by which a person may hold or restrain an animal, such as a falconer holding his hawk, or a courser his dog. For dogs and cats, the leash is commonly attached to a collar around the neck of the animal.“Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash.” — Shak.
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2.
A brace and a half; a tierce; three; three creatures of any kind, especially greyhounds, foxes, bucks, and hares; hence, the number three in general.(Sporting)“[I] kept my chamber a leash of days.” — B. Jonson.“Then were I wealthier than a leash of kings.” — Tennyson.
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3.
A string with a loop at the end for lifting warp threads, in a loom.(Weaving)
Phrases & compounds
To keep (a person) on a short leash —
to maintain close control over the activities of (a person).