Hal″ter (ha̤l″tẽr), n. [OE. halter, helter, helfter, AS. hælftre; akin to G. halfter, D. halfter, halster, and also to E. helve. See Helve.] A strong strap or cord. Especially: (a) A rope or strap, with or without a headstall, for leading or tying a horse. (b) A rope for hanging malefactors; a noose. Shak.
No man e'er felt the halter draw
With good opinion of the law. Trumbull.