n. & v.
n. 1 a loop with a running knot, tightening as the rope or wire is pulled, esp. in a snare, lasso, or hangman's halter. 2 a snare or bond. 3 joc. the marriage tie.
v.tr. 1 catch with or enclose in a noose, ensnare. 2 a make a noose on (a cord). b (often foll. by round) arrange (a cord) in a noose. put one's head in a noose bring about one's own downfall.
[ ME nose, perh. f. OF no(u)s f. L nodus knot ]