Main Entry: lar·i·at

Pronunciation: \ˈler-ē-ət\

Function: noun

Etymology: American Spanish la reata the lasso, from Spanish la the + American Spanish reata lasso, from Spanish reatar to tie again, from re- + atar to tie, from Latin aptare to fit — more at adapt

Date: 1832

: a long light rope (as of hemp or leather) used with a running noose to catch livestock or with or without the noose to tether grazing animals : lasso