harness Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)
  2. noun stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart
  3. verb put a harness
    tackle.
    • harness the horse
  4. verb exploit the power of
    • harness natural forces and resources
  5. verb control and direct with or as if by reins
    rein in; draw rein; rein.
    • rein a horse
  6. verb keep in check
    rein; rule.
    • rule one's temper

WordNet

Har"ness noun
Etymology
OE. harneis, harnes, OF.harneis, F. harnais, harnois; of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. harnez old iron, armor, W. haiarn iron, Armor. houarn, Ir. iarann, Gael. iarunn. Gf. Iron.
Definitions
  1. Originally, the complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; hence, in general, armor.
    At least we 'll die witch harness on our back. Shak.
  2. The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for drawing a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling.
  3. The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.
Har"ness transitive verb
Etymology
OE. harneisen; cf. F. harnacher, OF. harneschier.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Harnessed present participle & verbal noun Harnessing
Definitions
  1. To dress in armor; to equip with armor for war, as a horseman; to array.
    Harnessed in rugged steel. Rowe.
    A gay dagger, Harnessed well and sharp as point of spear. Chaucer.
  2. Fig.: To equip or furnish for defense. Dr. H. More.
  3. To make ready for draught; to equip with harness, as a horse. Also used figuratively.
    Harnessed to some regular profession. J. C. Shairp.

Webster 1913