Dean, epaulette, like many military terms comes from french. Lanyard, according to Webster, is Middle English from Middle french.
The word describes several maritime devices used for securing stuff on sailing ships. Also used around the neck to secure whistles and knives. Military use with pistols is more modern.
I believe they were almost always used in a manner where the lanyard was secured around the neck outside of the collar much like the Fangenschnur of Tschapkas and Busbies.
I have seen breadbag straps used as lanyards by German troops and these were secured under the epaulette and around the shoulder.
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