What is the meaning of lariat?

A long light rope (such as hemp or leather) used with a running noose to catch cattle or to tether grazing animals with or without the noose. Native Americans devised the lasso, which they employed efficiently in battle against the Spanish invaders. The lasso is commonly referred to as a lariat, although the phrase also refers to a rope used for picketing or tying animals.

Lariat vs. Lasso: What’s the Difference?

Lariat refers to a lasso when used as a noun, whereas lasso refers to a long rope with a sliding loop on one end that is commonly employed in ranching to catch cattle and horses. Lariat meaning to lasso, whereas lasso implies to catch with a lasso when used as verbs.