Harness Definition

härnĭs
harnessed, harnesses, harnessing
noun
harnesses
The gear or tackle, other than a yoke, with which a draft animal pulls a vehicle or implement.
American Heritage
The assemblage of leather straps and metal pieces by which a horse, mule, etc. is fastened to a vehicle, plow, or load.
Webster's New World
Something resembling such gear or tackle, as the arrangement of straps used to hold a parachute to the body.
American Heritage
Armor and other military equipment for a man or horse.
Webster's New World
Any trappings or gear similar to this.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
verb
harnessed, harnesses, harnessing
To put armor on.
Webster's New World
To put harness on (a horse, etc.)
Webster's New World
To bring under control and direct the force of.
If you can harness your energy, you will accomplish a great deal.
American Heritage
To attach (a horse, etc.) with a harness to something, as a wagon.
Webster's New World
To control so as to use the power of.
To harness one's energy.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
idiom
in harness
  • On duty or at work.
American Heritage
in double harness
  • in a harness for two animals pulling the same carriage, plow, etc.
Webster's New World
in harness
  • in or at one's routine work
  • in cooperation; in tandem
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Harness

Noun

Singular:
harness
Plural:
harnesses

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Harness

Origin of Harness

  • Middle English harnes from Old French harneis of Germanic origin nes-1 in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Anglo-Norman harneis, Old French hernois (“equipment used in battle”).

    From Wiktionary

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