Lēash1, n.
(leesh), n. [Fr. laisse, lesse, It. lascio, lassa, L. Lat. laxa, lexa, from Lat. laxa (sc. restis), a rope, from laxus, loose.]
Sense 1. A thong of leather, or long line, by which a falconer holds his hawk, or a courser his dog. “Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash.” Shak.
Sense 2. (Sporting.) A brace and a half; tierce; three; three creatures of any kind, especially greyhounds, foxes, bucks, and hares; hence, the number three in general.
I... kept my chamber a leash of days. B. Jonson.
Sense 3. A band wherewith to tie any thing.