LANYARD

noun Etymology: Middle English lanyer thong, ~, from Anglo-French lanier Date: 15th century a piece of rope or line for fastening something in a ship, 2. a cord or strap to hold something (as a knife or a whistle) and usually worn around the neck, a cord worn as a symbol of a military citation, a strong line used to activate a system (as in firing a cannon or sounding a whistle)