Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

unharness

[uhn-hahr-nis]
verb (used with object)
  1. to strip of harness; detach the harness from (a horse, mule, etc.).
  2. to divest of armor, as a knight or warhorse.
Show More

Origin of unharness

First recorded in 1400–50, unharness is from the Middle English word onharnesen. See un-2, harness
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for unharness

Historical Examples

  • He began to unharness before the first sentence was finished.

    The Forbidden Trail

    Honor Willsie

  • He hoped that his father would not come and help him unharness the horses.

  • Afraid,” growled the fellow, proceeding to unharness his horse; “that was the word, I think.

    Lavengro

    George Borrow

  • He said he put the package on the wagon-seat, and got out to unharness the horse.

  • Unharness the Sawhorse, somebody; my fingers are too clumsy.

British Dictionary definitions for unharness

unharness

verb (tr)
  1. to remove the harness from (a horse, etc)
  2. archaic to remove the armour from
Show More
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

Word Origin and History for unharness

v.

mid-15c., "divest of armor," from un- (2) + harness (v.). Cf. Dutch ontharnassen "to disarm." Meaning "to free (a horse) from harness" is recorded from 1610s. Related: Unharnessed; unharnessing.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper