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.
Phrases and idioms:
halter-break accustom (a horse) to a halter.
Etymology: OE h{aelig}lftre: cf. HELVE