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n. 1. Nautical A short rope or gasket used for fastening something or securing rigging. 2. A cord worn around the neck for carrying something, such as a knife or whistle. 3. A cord with a hook at one end used to fire a cannon. [Perhaps alteration (influenced by YARD1, spar) of Middle English lainere, strap, from Old French laniere, from lasne, perhaps alteration (influenced by las, string) of *nasle, lace, of Germanic origin.] |
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