leash
UK[leʃ]US[liːʃ]
n
a long, thin piece of rope, leather, or chain used to hold and control an animal, especially a dog
v
to put a leash on an animal; to control or restrain someone or something
Etymology
the word leash entered english in the 14th century from the old french lesse, which itself evolved from the latin adjective laxus, meaning loose or slack. this connection is logical, as a leash is a length of cord held loosely until restraint is needed. the semantic journey reflects a shift from the general quality of slackness to the specific object—a loose cord for tying—and finally to its modern function as a controlled tether. its phonetic form was anglicized over time, settling on the spelling leash.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from old french, where its form was lesse or laisse, meaning a thong or a leash. the old french term derived from latin laxus, meaning loose or slack.
Examples
she kept her dog on a short leash during the walk.
the new regulations are an attempt to leash the power of the large corporations.
he felt a sharp tug on the leash as the puppy spotted a squirrel.