harness

[hahr-nis]

noun

1. the combination of straps, bands, and other parts forming the working gear of a draft animal.

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. 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

Other Word Forms

• harnesser noun
• harnessless adjective
• harnesslike adjective
• reharness verb (used with object)
• well-harnessed adjective
• harness-like 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 double harness. double harness.

2. 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.

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

Example Sentences

This knowledge has been harnessed by scientists in making modern quantum chips.

Read more on BBC

"Fifa cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values."

Read more on BBC

There was a lack of coaches, equipment and facilities to harness those young dreams.

Read more on BBC

More than other local events, Beyond Fest harnesses the growing energy of the local rep house scene, currently in the midst of a renaissance period.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Chinese consumers are known to harness their massive spending power in pressure campaigns when they perceive insults to Chinese national pride.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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