harness
the combination of straps, bands, and other parts forming the working gear of a draft animal.: Compare yoke1 (def. 1).
(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.
the equipment, as straps, bolts, or gears, by which a large bell is mounted and rung.
Electricity. wiring harness.
armor for persons or horses.
to put a harness on (a horse, donkey, dog, etc.); attach by a harness, as to a vehicle.
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.
Archaic. to array in armor or equipments of war.
Idioms about harness
in double harness. double harness (def. 2).
in harness,
engaged in one's usual routine of work: After his illness he longed to get back in harness.
together as cooperating partners or equals: Joe and I worked in harness on our last job.
Origin of harness
1Other words for harness
Other words from harness
- har·ness·er, noun
- har·ness·less, adjective
- har·ness·like, adjective
- re·har·ness, verb (used with object)
- well-harnessed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use harness in a sentence
I was able to comfortably wear a harness on top of it, thanks to the slim cut around the torso.
Long-Term Review: One Year in Patagonia’s R1 Air Hoody | Jeremy Rellosa | February 19, 2021 | Outside OnlineIt’s equally important to choose a model that won’t limit usage of collars or harnesses.
Best dog coats: Pet clothes to keep any dog warm | PopSci Commerce Team | February 17, 2021 | Popular-ScienceThe second idea was a longer harness that gave more support to the dog rather than just holding it up by its middle.
This new harness lets military dogs parachute safely and with style | Christina Mackenzie | January 4, 2021 | Popular-ScienceWinter Resort operators are harnessing an unlikely source to power their operations: the sun.
The system could operate on a closed loop, recycling its water and harnessing the power of the sun.
In effect, then, the resort is harnessing the power of the sun to turn seawater into a nourishing resource—for people and plants.
Sun+Water= High Tech Caribbean Luxury At The Cusinart Resort | The Daily Beast | June 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTOne team proposed harnessing the body heat lost from passengers sitting in their seats to power the overhead lighting.
Airbus Student Competition Yields Innovative Ideas for Green Air Travel | Miranda Green | June 17, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTWith evangelical zeal, he invites the applauding audience to join him in harnessing “the power of paper and glue.”
‘Inside Out: The People’s Art Project’ Review: Narcissists Writ Large | Jessica Dawson | May 20, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTUnder the table his hands moved in the intricate symbolic pattern which aided such emotion-harnessing.
The Sensitive Man | Poul William AndersonHere they obtained some idea of harnessing and driving horses, of ploughing, and of the other farming operations.
Out on the Pampas | G. A. HentyAfterward more precious moments were consumed in harnessing up the new steeds and getting once more under way.
Christopher and the Clockmakers | Sara Ware BassettBut Sally is harnessing up a coach-and-six to drive through human obligations.
Somehow Good | William de MorganThey want to get from us the secret of harnessing nature up to their wagon to pull their heavy loads.
Quiet Talks with World Winners | S. D. Gordon
British Dictionary definitions for harness
/ (ˈhɑːnɪs) /
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
something resembling this, esp for attaching something to the body: a parachute harness
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
the total system of electrical leads for a vehicle or aircraft
weaving the part of a loom that raises and lowers the warp threads, creating the shed
archaic armour collectively
in harness at one's routine work
to put harness on (a horse)
(usually foll by to) to attach (a draught animal) by means of harness to (a cart, etc)
to control so as to employ the energy or potential power of: to harness the atom
to equip or clothe with armour
Origin of harness
1Derived forms of harness
- harnesser, noun
- harnessless, adjective
- harness-like, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with harness
see die with one's boots on (in harness) in harness.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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