\Lan"yard\, n. [F. lani[`e]re thong, strap, OF.
lasniere, fr. lasne strap, thong, L. lacinia lappet. flap,
edge of a garment. Cf. {Lanier}.] [Written also {laniard}.]
1. (Naut.) A short piece of rope or line for fastening
   something in ships; as, the lanyards of the gun ports, of
   the buoy, and the like; esp., pieces passing through the
   dead-eyes, and used to extend shrouds, stays, etc.
2. (Mil.) A strong cord, about twelve feet long, with an iron
   hook at one end a handle at the other, used in firing
   cannon with a friction tube.