Main Entry: ¹har·ness

Pronunciation: \ˈhär-nəs\

Function: noun

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

Date: 14th century

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