n. & v.
n. 1 a rope or strap with a noose or headstall for horses or cattle. 2 a a strap round the back of a woman's neck holding her dress-top and leaving her shoulders and back bare. b a dress-top held by this. 3 a a rope with a noose for hanging a person. b death by hanging.
v.tr. 1 put a halter on (a horse etc.). 2 hang (a person) with a halter. halter-break accustom (a horse) to a halter.
[ OE hlftre: cf. HELVE ]