lanyard

Etymology

From Late Middle English lainer, lainere, lanyer (“strap or thong used to fasten armour, shields, clothing, etc.”) [and other forms] (with the ending modified in the 17th century under the influence of yard), from Old French laniere, lasniere (“thong, lash”) (modern French lanière (“lanyard, strap; (by extension) a strip”)), from lasne (“strap, thong; noose; snare”), a metathetic alteration of nasle, nasliere (“strap, thong”), influenced by lane (“wool”), las (“lace of a boot, shoe, etc.”), or laz (“snare, trap; pitfall”); nasliere is derived from Old Dutch *nastila (“headband; tie”), from Proto-West Germanic *nastilu (“strap; thread; tie”), from Proto-Indo-European *ned- (“to tie together”). The English word is cognate with Old High German nestila (“band, headband; strap”) (modern German Nestel (“lace; strap; string”)), Old Norse nesta (“brace; fastener, strap”).

noun

1. (nautical) A short rope used for fastening rigging, as a handle, etc.
2. (by extension) A cord worn around the neck, shoulder, or wrist which is attached to a small object to be carried such as an identity card or security pass, key, knife, or whistle.
3. A craft activity done by intricately braiding thin colored plastic lines to make patterns, or the product of such a craft.
   It's lanyard. It's a camp tradition. You'll have about a million lanyard key chains by the time the summer is over. 2006 07, Melissa J. Morgan, Natalie's Secret, ABDO, page 48
   A few lousy days at Camp Minnehaha spent extracting oar splinters from your palms and taking group lanyard lessons under the full noonday sun. 2008, Natalie Angier, The Canon, page 58
4. (by extension, military) A cord with a hook which is secured to an artillery piece, and pulled to fire the weapon.