Definition of lessee

The word "lessee" is derived from the legal term "lease," which refers to a contract between two parties - a landowner, known as the lessor, and a tenant, known as the lessee - that grants the latter the right to use a property for a specified period in exchange for a rental fee. The prefix "re" in "lessee" suggests a reversal or modification of the original meaning, and in this case, it denotes the reverse role of the tenant compared to the lessor. More specifically, a lessee is the individual or entity to whom a lease is granted, and they become the temporary occupier or user of the property, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the lease agreement. The word "lessee" first appeared in the English language during the Middle Ages, around the 14th century. Its origin can be traced back to the Old French term "leter," which was a compound word formed by merging the Latin root "lic" meaning "to permit" with the Old French word "ere" meaning "to hold" or "to possess." "Lesser" is another related term used to describe someone who leases or rents a property, but its meaning focuses more on the fact that the occupant is paying a rental fee rather than the specific reversal of roles conveyed by "lessee." In summary, "lessee" is a legal term denoting a person who acquires temporary possession and use of a property under the terms of a lease from the lessor. Its origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was derived from the Old French "leter."