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.
© Webster 1913.