Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: laisse, from laissier; LEASE2

leash

1 noun
     
Related topics: Pets
leash1 [countable] especially American English
1DHP a piece of rope, leather etc fastened to a dog's collar in order to control it [= lead British English]
on/off a leash
At her side on a leash trotted a small grey dog.
Never leave your dog off the leash outside a store.
2

keep/have somebody on a leash

to control someone - used humorously:
Marcus keeps you on a short leash, does he?
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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