Main Entry:

lan·yard

Pronunciation:

\ˈlan-yərd\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English lanyer thong, lanyard, from Anglo-French lanier

Date:

15th century

1: a piece of rope or line for fastening something in a ship ; especially : one of the pieces passing through deadeyes to extend shrouds or stays2 a: a cord or strap to hold something (as a knife or a whistle) and usually worn around the neck b: a cord worn as a symbol of a military citation3: a strong line used to activate a system (as in firing a cannon)