Jĕss, n.

n. [O. Fr. ges, gies, gez, giez, gest, giet, get, jet, Pr. get, It. geto, L. Lat. jactus, a jess, from Lat. jacere, jactum, to throw.] 1. A short strap of leather or silk tied round the legs of a hawk, in which the varvels, or rings, were fastened, to which the leash or line, wrapped round the falconer's hand, was attached. *Like a hawk which feeling herself freed From bells and jesses which did let her flight.* Spenser.

2. A ribbon that hangs down from a garland or crown in falconry.
3. A resting-place; also, a check, hinderance, or pause. [Obs.] J. Norden.