1. a rope or line used to haul or hoist something, especially on a ship or in rigging
Usage: nautical; also spelled halyard

Examples

• The sailor pulled the haulyard to raise the sail.
• The flag was attached to a haulyard that ran along the mast.
• She gripped the haulyard firmly as she hoisted the cargo aboard.
• The crew checked all the haul­yards before setting out to sea.
• The haulyard snapped in the strong wind, and the sail came down.