harness: Meaning and Definition of

har•ness

Pronunciation: (här'nis), [key]
— n.
  1. the combination of straps, bands, and other parts forming the working gear of a draft animal. Cf. yoke (def. 1).
  2. (on a loom) the frame containing heddles through which the warp is drawn and which, in combination with another such frame or other frames, forms the shed and determines the woven pattern.
  3. the equipment, as straps, bolts, or gears, by which a large bell is mounted and rung.
  4. See
  5. armor for persons or horses.
  6. See(def. 2).
  7. After his illness he longed to get back in harness.
    1. engaged in one's usual routine of work:After his illness he longed to get back in harness.
    2. together as cooperating partners or equals:Joe and I worked in harness on our last job.
—v.t.
  1. to put a harness on (a horse, donkey, dog, etc.); attach by a harness, as to a vehicle.
  2. to bring under conditions for effective use; gain control over for a particular end: to harness water power; to harness the energy of the sun.
  3. to array in armor or equipments of war.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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