Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Jess"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Jess \Jess\, n.; 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.
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