halter meaning and definition

HALTER noun

Definition of halter (noun)

1. rope or canvas headgear for a horse, with a rope for leading
   • synonyms: hackamore
2. a rope that is used by a hangman to execute persons who have been condemned to death by hanging
   • synonyms: hangman's halter, hangman's rope, hemp, hempen necktie
3. a woman's top that fastens behind the back and neck leaving the back and arms uncovered
4. either of the rudimentary hind wings of dipterous insects; used for maintaining equilibrium during flight
   • synonyms: balancer, haltere

HALTER verb

Definition of halter (verb)

1. hang with a halter
2. prevent the progress or free movement of
   • "He was hampered in his efforts by the bad weather"; "the imperialist nation wanted to strangle the free trade between the two small countries"
   • synonyms: cramp, hamper, strangle