Definition of: lanyard

(lan′yərd) noun
1. Naut. A small rope used on a ship, especially, a four-stranded hemp rope, especially one rove through deadeyes and used in setting up riggings.
2. A cord used in firing certain kinds of cannon.
3. A stout cord worn around the neck, especially by sailors, and used for attaching a knife: called a knife lanyard. Also spelled laniard. [Alter. of obs. lanyer <OF lasniere a thong <lasne a noose; infl. in form by yard ¹a spar]