1. a rope or tackle used to hoist a sail, flag, or yard on a ship
Usage: nautical; also spelled 'halyard'

Examples

• The sailor pulled the halliard to raise the mainsail.
• The flag halliard was tangled around the mast.
• She secured the halliard to the cleat before leaving the deck.
• The crew checked all the halliards before setting out to sea.
• A broken halliard can prevent you from raising the jib sail.