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