harness

[ hahr-nis ]

noun

1. the combination of straps, bands, and other parts forming the working gear of a draft animal. Compare yoke ¹( def 1 ).
2. (on a loom) the frame containing heddles through which the warp is drawn and which, in combination with another such frame or other frames, forms the shed and determines the woven pattern.
3. the equipment, as straps, bolts, or gears, by which a large bell is mounted and rung.
4. Electricity. wiring harness.
5. armor for persons or horses.

verb (used with object)

1. to put a harness on (a horse, donkey, dog, etc.); attach by a harness, as to a vehicle.
2. to bring under conditions for effective use; gain control over for a particular end:

   to harness water power; to harness the energy of the sun.

   Synonyms: exploit, utilize, manage, control

3. Archaic. to array in armor or equipments of war.

harness

/ ˈhɑːnɪs /

noun

1. an arrangement of leather straps buckled or looped together, fitted to a draught animal in order that the animal can be attached to and pull a cart
2. something resembling this, esp for attaching something to the body

   a parachute harness

3. mountaineering an arrangement of webbing straps that enables a climber to attach himself to the rope so that the impact of a fall is minimized
4. the total system of electrical leads for a vehicle or aircraft
5. weaving the part of a loom that raises and lowers the warp threads, creating the shed
6. archaic.
   armour collectively
7. in harness
   at one's routine work

verb

1. to put harness on (a horse)
2. usually foll by to to attach (a draught animal) by means of harness to (a cart, etc)
3. to control so as to employ the energy or potential power of

   to harness the atom

4. to equip or clothe with armour

Derived Forms

• ˈharnesser, noun
• ˈharnessless, adjective
• ˈharness-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• harness·er noun
• harness·less adjective
• harness·like adjective
• re·harness verb (used with object)
• well-harnessed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of harness¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English harneis, herneis, from Old French herneis “baggage, equipment,” from Old Norse hernest (unrecorded) “provisions for an armed force,” equivalent to herr “army” ( harbor, herald ) + nest “provisions for a journey”

Word History and Origins

Origin of harness¹

C13: from Old French harneis baggage, probably from Old Norse hernest (unattested) provisions, from herr army + nest provisions

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in harness,
   1. engaged in one's usual routine of work:

      After his illness he longed to get back in harness.

   2. together as cooperating partners or equals:

      Joe and I worked in harness on our last job.

2. in double harness. double harness ( def 2 ).

More idioms and phrases containing harness

see die with one's boots on (in harness) in harness .

Example Sentences

The protests so far have relied on a small group of core organizing bodies to harness broad but diffuse support.

From The Daily Beast

In 1870, the very Germanically-named August Ruengling fixed a harness for a circus rider and obtained free passes for his family.

From The Daily Beast

In 1899, with a three hundred dollar investment, they opened a small saddlery and harness shop.

From The Daily Beast

Whether or not guayusa is a product of selective breeding, the Kichwa have learned to harness its power.

From The Daily Beast

London may as well also require that cabbies master the art of saddling a horse and mending a harness.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, except for Ramona's help, it would have been a question whether even Alessandro could have made Baba work in harness.

From Project Gutenberg

An old horse, with traces hanging and harness a wreck, stands snorting beside the boy.

From Project Gutenberg

When the number was ended, Burd Alling removed his head-harness and gravely shook hands with Jessie.

From Project Gutenberg

She found Mr. Rushmere busy adjusting and sorting divers pieces of harness.

From Project Gutenberg

He died in harness, his valiant spirit shining undimmed till the moment it was quenched by death itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• curb
• exploit
• mobilize
• tackle
• tame
• utilize