haltere

noun

1. 1. a rope, cord, strap, etc., usually with a headstall, for tying or leading an animal
   2. a bitless headstall, with or without a lead rope
2. 1. a rope for hanging a person; hangman's noose
   2. execution by hanging
3. a garment for covering the breast, held up by a cord or loop around the neck, and worn by women and girls to bare the shoulders and back

Origin: ME < OE hælftre (akin to Ger halfter) < base of helfe (see helve): basic sense “that by which something is held”

transitive verb

1. to put a halter on (an animal); tie with a halter
2. to hang (a person)