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.
Phrases and idioms:
a new lease of (US on) life a substantially improved prospect of living, or of use after repair.
Derivatives:
leasable adj. leaser n.
Etymology: ME f. AF les, OF lais, leis f. lesser, laissier leave f. L laxare make loose (laxus)