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Webster 1913 Edition

Jess

Jess

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Jesses
(#)
.
[OF.
gies
,
giez
, prop. pl. of
giet
,
get
,
jet
, F.
jet
, a throwing, jess. See
Jet
a shooting forth.]
(falconry)
A short strap of leather or silk secured round the leg of a hawk, to which the leash or line, wrapped round the falconer’s hand, was attached when used. See Illust. of
Falcon
.
Like a hawk, which feeling freed
From bells and
jesses
which did let her flight.
Spenser.

Webster 1828 Edition

Jess

JESS

,
Noun.
Short straps of leather tied round the legs of a hawk, by which she is held on the fist.
1.
A ribbon that hangs down from a garland or crown in falconry.

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