harness

¹har·ness

noun \ˈhär-nəs\

Definition of HARNESS

1

a : the gear other than a yoke of a draft animal

b : gear, equipment; especially : military equipment for a horse or man

2

a : occupational surroundings or routine <get back into harness after a vacation>

b : close association <ability to work in harness with others — R. P. Brooks>

3

a : something that resembles a harness (as in holding or fastening something) <a parachute harness>

b : prefabricated wiring with insulation and terminals ready to be attached

4

: a part of a loom which holds and controls the heddles

Examples of HARNESS

1. The pilot strapped himself into his harness before takeoff.

Origin of HARNESS

Middle English herneis baggage, gear, from Anglo-French harneis, herneis, probably from Old Norse *hernest, from herr army + nest provisions

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Equestrian Terms

canter, cantle, curry, farrier, hunter, paddock, router, skirt, tack

²harness

transitive verb

Definition of HARNESS

1

a : to put a harness on

b : to attach by means of a harness

2

: to tie together : yoke

3

: utilize <harness the computer's potential>

Examples of HARNESS

1. The horses were harnessed to the wagon.
2. Engineers are finding new ways to harness the sun's energy to heat homes.
3. The company is harnessing technology to provide better service to its customers.
4. They harnessed the power of the waterfall to create electricity.
5. harness anger to fight injustice

First Known Use of HARNESS

14th century

Related to HARNESS

Synonyms

apply, employ, exercise, exploit, use, operate, utilize

Related Words

handle, manipulate, wield; direct, run, work; cannibalize, recycle, reuse

Near Antonyms

ignore, neglect; misapply, misuse

Other Equestrian Terms

canter, cantle, curry, farrier, hunter, paddock, router, skirt, tack