jess

noun

ˈjes 

: a short strap secured on the leg of a hawk and usually provided with a ring for attaching a leash

jessed

ˈjest 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ges, from Anglo-French gez, jettes, plural of get, literally, throw, from geter, jeter to throw, release (a hawk) — more at jet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above