n.1 a cord hanging round the neck or looped round the shoulder, esp. of a Scout or sailor etc., to which a knife, a whistle, etc., may be attached.
2 Naut. a short rope or line used for securing, tightening, etc.
3 a cord attached to a breech mechanism for firing a gun.
Etymology: ME f. OF laniere, lasniere: assim. to YARD(1)