ENGLISH
REFERENCE

leash

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɫiʃ// UK //lˈiːʃ// leash Archaic

n. a long rope or leather strap used to control a dog while walking. You hold one end and attach the other to the animal's collar.

n. a strap, cord, or chain attached to the collar or harness of an animal for the purpose of restraint or control. Often used metaphorically to describe a lack of freedom or strict supervision.


SIMPLE

Please keep your dog on a leash while walking in the park.

CONTEXTUAL

The law requires all pet owners to use a leash when walking their dogs on public sidewalks.

COMPLEX

The puppy strained against its leather leash, eager to investigate the scent of the nearby flowerbeds despite its owner's firm grip.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English leesshe, leysche, lesshe, a variant of more original lease, from Middle English lees, leese, leece, lese, from Old French lesse (modern French laisse), either from Latin laxa, feminine form of laxus (“loose”) or, more probably, from a deverbal of Old French lesser, laissier, from Latin laxāre (“loose”); compare lax. Doublet of laisse.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'on a leash' or 'off the leash'.

Idioms2 entries

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