LANYARD

lanyard, laniard

(noun) (nautical) a line used for extending or fastening rigging on ships

lanyard, laniard

(noun) a cord worn around the neck to hold a knife or whistle

lanyard, laniard

(noun) a cord with an attached hook that is used to fire certain types of cannon

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

lanyard (plural lanyards)

(nautical) A short rope used for fastening rigging.

A cord used to hold a small object such as a key, whistle, card, or knife, worn around the neck or wrist: a form of necklace or wristband.

A cord with a hook; once used to fire artillery.

Source: Wiktionary

Lan"yard, n. Etym: [F.lanière thong, strap, OF. lasniere, fr. lasne strap, thong, L. lacinia lappet. flap, edge of a garment. Cf. Lanier.] [Written also laniard.]

1. (Naut.)

Definition: A short piece of rope or line for fastening something in ships; as, the lanyards of the gun ports, of the buoy, and the like; esp., pieces passing through the dead-eyes, and used to extend shrouds, stays, etc.

2. (Mil.)

Definition: A strong cord, about twelve feet long, with an iron hook at one end a handle at the other, used in firing cannon with a friction tube.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition