lan·yard / ˈlanyərd/ • n. a rope threaded through a pair of deadeyes, used to adjust the tension in the rigging of a sailing vessel. ∎  a cord passed around the neck, shoulder, or wrist for holding a knife, whistle, or similar object. ∎  a cord attached to a breech mechanism for firing a gun.

lanyard †whip-lash XV; (naut.) short piece of rope XVII. —(O)F. lanière, earlier lasniere, f. lasne, perh. due to crossing of laz LACE and nasle—Frankish *nastila- (G. nestel string, lace); the final syll. was assoc. with YARD2.