̈ɪli:s n. & v. --n. an
agreement by
which the owner of a
building or
land allows
another to
use it
for a specified
time, usu. in
return for
payment. --v.tr.
grant or
take on lease. øa
new lease of (US on)
life a substantially improved
prospect of
living, or of use
after repair. øøleasable adj. leaser n. [ME f. AF les, OF lais, leis f.
lesser, laissier leave f. L laxare
make loose (laxus)]