Halter
/ˈhɔːltər/noun
A strap or rope used to lead or restrain an animal, or a garment that ties around the neck.
Did you know?Halter is ultimately related to the same Indo-European root that gave English hold and behold, so at its deepest level it’s a word about gripping, binding, and keeping control.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kel-
“to hold, conceal, or cover”
Old English
OE
healfter
“a halter, tether, or neck-rope for animals”
Middle English
ME
halter
“a rope or strap used to lead or restrain an animal”
Modern English
English
halter
“a strap or rope used to lead or restrain an animal, or a neck-tied garment”