Dragoons would use lanyards (usually called sword knots) to secure their sabres to the wrist, and thus allow the firing of carbine and pistol with the sabre out (hence the French term of dragonne).

Pistol lanyards are designed to connect a pistol grip to a uniform on a semipermanent basis. A well made pistol lanyard can be easily removed and reattached by the user, but otherwise will stay connected to the pistol whether it is drawn or in a holster. A good pistol lanyard can be invaluable in an emergency, because it prevents the weapon from being dropped. In addition, some pistol lanyards use an elasticized plastic coil design that may slightly cushion recoil.

Lanyards of various colour combinations and braid patterns are also commonly worn on the shoulders of British and Commonwealth military uniforms to denote the wearer's qualification or regimental affiliation.

Lanyards have started to appear on consumer electronics devices. With increasing miniaturisation, many digital cameras, MP3 players, and USB memory sticks include lanyards, providing easy portability and insurance against loss or dropping.

Lanyard can also refer to the flat plastic string more commonly known as gimp.

See also

• Rope splicing

Military insignia | Ropework | Firearm components

Lanyard | dragonne | Houwtouw | Темляк