Yarn \Yarn\, n. [OE. yarn, [yogh]arn, AS. gearn; akin to D. garen, G., OHG., Icel., Sw., & Dan. garn; of uncertain origin. Cf. Cord.]

1. Spun wool; woolen thread; also, thread of other material, as of cotton, flax, hemp, or silk; material spun and prepared for use in weaving, knitting, manufacturing sewing thread, or the like.

2. (Rope Making) One of the threads of which the strands of a rope are composed.

3. A story told by a sailor for the amusement of his companions; a story or tale; as, to spin a yarn. [Colloq.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)