From Old French laniere 'strap, thong,' reshaped by folk etymology to include '-yard' (a nautical spar) — originally a short rope for securing rigging on ships.
A cord or strap worn around the neck, shoulder, or wrist, used to carry an object such as a knife, whistle, or identification badge.
From Old French laniere 'strap, thong' (of uncertain origin, possibly from Frankish *lasnari or related to Old French lasne 'lace, cord'), with the spelling influenced by English yard (a spar on a ship). The word was originally a nautical term for a short rope used to secure rigging, before generalizing to any carrying cord. Key roots: laniere (Old French