Lease
/liːs/noun
A contract giving someone the right to use property for a set period.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to a Germanic root meaning “to let go” or “release,” which is why it’s historically tied to the idea of granting use rather than owning outright.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leu-
“to loosen, divide, separate”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*lausaz
“loose, free, released”
Old English
English
lēas
“free, lacking, false; not bound”
Middle English
English
lese, lese(n)
“to let go, release; to grant by contract”
Modern English
English
lease
“a contract granting temporary use of property”