Jess — Defs

01 n. 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 attach…

pl. Jesses ((#))

1.
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. See: Falcon
“Like a hawk, which feeling freed From bells and jesses which did let her flight.” — Spenser.