Jess \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.