A lariat, also known as a LASSO, is a ROPE that is used to catch animals or people. It is made of a long, thick ROPE with a loop at one end. The other end is usually tied to a post or tree. The term lariat is derived from the Spanish word 'la REATA, ' which means 'the ROPE.' A NOOSE is a type of knot used to form a loop that tightens when pulled. It is often used for hanging or restraining someone. A REATA is a type of lariat used in the American Southwest and Mexico. It is made of braided rawhide or horsehair and is used for roping cattle. A RIATA is a type of lariat used in the American West and is made of a single length of ROPE. All of these terms are related to the lariat, which is a ROPE used to catch or restrain animals or people.