lanyard Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a cord with an attached hook that is used to fire certain types of cannon
    laniard.
  2. noun a cord worn around the neck to hold a knife or whistle
    laniard.
  3. noun (nautical) a line used for extending or fastening rigging on ships
    laniard.

WordNet

Lan"yard noun
Etymology
F.lanière thong, strap, OF. lasniere, fr. lasne strap, thong, L. lacinia lappet. flap, edge of a garment. Cf. Lanier.
Definitions
  1. (Naut.) 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.) 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.

Webster 1913