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Harness
Definitions
- 1 A restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps, and especially one worn by a working animal such as a horse pulling a carriage or farm implement. countable
- 2 stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart wordnet
- 3 A collection of wires or cables bundled and routed according to their function: a wiring harness. countable
"The cars then enter the main lines for further assembly - including the installation of internal electrical harnesses, underfloor equipment, internal panelling, roof equipment, carpets, seats and tables."
- 4 a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute) wordnet
- 5 The complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; armour in general. dated, uncountable
"Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind! come, wrack! At least we'll die with harness on our back."
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- 6 The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle. countable, uncountable
- 7 Equipment for any kind of labour. countable, uncountable
- 1 To place a harness on something; to tie up or restrain. transitive
"They harnessed the horse to the post."
- 2 keep in check wordnet
- 3 To capture, control or put to use. transitive
"Imagine what might happen if it were possible to harness solar energy fully."
- 4 exploit the power of wordnet
- 5 To equip with armour. transitive
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- 6 put a harness wordnet
- 7 control and direct with or as if by reins wordnet
Etymology
From Middle English harneys, harnes, harneis, harnais, herneis, from Anglo-Norman harneis and Old French hernois (“equipment used in battle”), believed to be from Old Norse *hernest, from herr (“army”) + nest (“provisions”) (from Proto-Germanic *nesaną (“to heal, recover”)). More at harry.
From Middle English harneys, harnes, harneis, harnais, herneis, from Anglo-Norman harneis and Old French hernois (“equipment used in battle”), believed to be from Old Norse *hernest, from herr (“army”) + nest (“provisions”) (from Proto-Germanic *nesaną (“to heal, recover”)). More at harry.
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