1.  lanyard(n = noun.artifact) laniard - a cord with an attached hook that is used to fire certain types of cannon;
is a kind of cord

2.  lanyard(n = noun.artifact) laniard - a cord worn around the neck to hold a knife or whistle;
is a kind of cord

3.  lanyard(n = noun.artifact) laniard - (nautical) a line used for extending or fastening rigging on ships;
is a kind of line

1.  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. [1913 Webster]

2.  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. [1913 Webster]

lanyard, n.
1 a cord hanging round the neck or looped round the shoulder, esp. of a Scout or sailor etc., to which a knife, a whistle, etc., may be attached.
2 Naut. a short rope or line used for securing, tightening, etc.
3 a cord attached to a breech mechanism for firing a gun.

Etymology:
ME f. OF laniere, lasniere: assim. to YARD(1)