harness

The definition of a harness is a system of belts, straps or fabric to hold a person or animal down.

(noun)

An example of harness is a bar that comes over riders on a roller-coaster.

Harness is defined as to strap or belt someone or something down, or to bring under control for a purpose.

(verb)

See harness in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Archaic armor and other military equipment for a man or horse
the assemblage of leather straps and metal pieces by which a horse, mule, etc. is fastened to a vehicle, plow, or load
any trappings or gear similar to this; specif.,
1. the straps, etc. by which a parachute is fastened to a person or object
2. a device for raising and lowering the warp threads on a loom
a set of electrical wires that can be quickly connected or disconnected as a unit at pluglike junctions

Origin: ME harneis < OFr, armor < ON *hernest, military supplies < herr, army, akin to harry + nest, provisions

transitive verb

Obsolete to put armor on
1. to put harness on (a horse, etc.)
2. to attach (a horse, etc.) with a harness to something, as a wagon
to control so as to use the power of: to harness one's energy

See harness in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The gear or tackle, other than a yoke, with which a draft animal pulls a vehicle or implement.
Something resembling such gear or tackle, as the arrangement of straps used to hold a parachute to the body.
A device that raises and lowers the warp threads on a loom.
Archaic Armor for a man or horse.

transitive verb har·nessed, har·ness·ing, har·ness·es

a. To put a harness on (a draft animal).
b. To fasten by the use of a harness.
To bring under control and direct the force of: If you can harness your energy, you will accomplish a great deal.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English harnes

Origin: , from Old French harneis

Origin: , of Germanic origin; see nes-¹ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: