leash
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a long strap, cord, or chain used to hold and lead an animal, like a dog.
n.a strap or cord for restraining or guiding an animal, typically attached to a collar or harness.
Simple“The law requires all owners to keep their dogs on a leash in the city park.”
In context“The trainer insisted that the puppy remain on a short leash until it learned to ignore the distractions of the busy street.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to tie or secure an animal using a strap.
v.to secure or fasten an animal with a leash or similar tether.
Simple“He leashed the dog to the fence while he went inside the shop for a moment.”
In context“Before starting the hike, she leashed the golden retriever to ensure it wouldn't chase the local wildlife.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to control or limit a feeling or an action.
v.to restrain, curb, or keep under tight control; often used figuratively regarding emotions or power.
Simple“She had to leash her anger during the meeting to remain professional.”
In context“The administration attempted to leash the growing inflation through a series of aggressive interest rate hikes and spending cuts.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.an old word for a group of three animals or things.
n.a set of three, particularly used in historical contexts for greyhounds, foxes, or hares.
Simple“The hunter returned with a leash of hares hanging from his belt.”
In context“In medieval hunting terminology, a leash of hounds referred specifically to three dogs held on a single line.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.