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Definition of jesse

jesse

/ˈdʒɛs.i/
jes · se
Plural:jesses
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jesse Lexical Profile

jesse Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British An weak, cowardly, or effeminate person, especially a man (used as an informal or derogatory term).

Example

"His older brothers teased him and told him to stop acting like a big jesse."

2

A large branched candlestick used in churches, symbolizing the genealogical Tree of Jesse.

Example

"The medieval cathedral featured a magnificent brass jesse suspended above the choir."

3

A short leather strap fastened around each leg of a hawk or other bird of prey in falconry, to which a leash is attached (more commonly spelled 'jess').

Example

"The falconer carefully checked the leather jesse on the hawk's leg before releasing the leash."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for jesse

• Rhymes for jesse

• Nearby Words

jersey lily
jerusalem
jerusalem artichoke
jesse
jest
jester
jestingly

Word Origin & Etymology

The ecclesiastical sense derives from the biblical Tree of Jesse, depicting the genealogy of Jesus from Jesse, the father of King David (from Hebrew Yishai). The British slang sense is an informal derivative of the given name.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jesse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jesse
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