harness

harness [här′nis]

n.

[ME harneis < OFr, armor < ON * hernest, military supplies < herr, army, akin to HARRY + nest, provisions]

1. Archaic armor and other military equipment for a man or horse

2. the assemblage of leather straps and metal pieces by which a horse, mule, etc. is fastened to a vehicle, plow, or load

3. any trappings or gear similar to this; specif.,

a) the straps, etc. by which a parachute is fastened to a person or object

b) a device for raising and lowering the warp threads on a loom

4. a set of electrical wires that can be quickly connected or disconnected as a unit at pluglike junctions

vt.

1. Obs. to put armor on

2.

a) to put harness on (a horse, etc.)

b) to attach (a horse, etc.) with a harness to something, as a wagon

3. to control so as to use the power of [to harness one's energy]

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in double harness

1. in a harness for two animals pulling the same carriage, plow, etc.

2. married

3. working at two jobs

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in harness

in or at one's routine work

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in harness with

in cooperation with