jess
Definition
Noun:
- A short strap used in falconry: "jess" refers to a short leather strap or cord that is fastened around a hawk's leg, used to tether the bird to a perch or to the falconer's glove.
Verb:
- To attach a jess to a hawk: "jess" means to fit or secure a jess onto the leg of a hawk or other bird of prey, as part of training or handling in falconry.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The falconer carefully adjusted the jess on the hawk's leg. (The strap used to control the bird during training.)
- A broken jess can allow a bird of prey to escape. (The strap is essential for safe handling.)
Verb:
- The apprentice learned how to jess the young peregrine. (To attach the leg strap to the bird.)
- Before flying the hawk, the falconer must jess it properly. (To secure the bird for handling.)
Advanced Usage
"to be on the jess": a falconry term meaning a hawk is tethered or under control.
- The hawk remained on the jess until released for the hunt. (The bird was kept restrained by the leg strap.)
"to slip the jess": to remove the jess, typically when freeing the hawk to fly.
- The falconer slipped the jess and the hawk soared into the sky. (The strap was undone to release the bird.)
Variants and Related Words
- Jess (n): the singular form of the strap.
- Jesses (n pl): the plural form, referring to a pair of straps (one for each leg).
- The falconer checked both jesses before the demonstration. (Both leg straps were inspected.)
Synonyms
- Leash: a long cord or strap used to control an animal (less specific to falconry).
- Tether: a rope or chain used to tie an animal to a fixed point.
Phrasal Verbs
- Jess up: (rare) to secure a hawk with jesses.
- The handler jessed up the bird for transport. (He attached the straps to the hawk's legs.)
Related Idioms
- "To have someone on a jess": figuratively, to have someone under tight control or restraint (rare, extended metaphor).
- The manager had his team on a jess, allowing no independent action. (He controlled them strictly.)