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.
[ ME f. OF laniere, lasniere: assim. to YARD(1) ]