Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - lanyard

 noun  Etymology: Middle English lanyer thong, ~, from Anglo-French lanier  Date: 15th century  1. a piece of rope or line for fastening something in a ship; especially one of the pieces passing through deadeyes to extend shrouds or stays  2.  a. a cord or strap to hold something (as a knife or a whistle) and usually worn around the neck  b. a cord worn as a symbol of a military citation  3. a strong line used to activate a system (as in firing a cannon or sounding a whistle)