harness

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To control and use something powerful, such as energy or natural forces.

   Scientists are looking for better ways to harness solar energy.

2. 2
   noun

   A set of straps used to hold something safely to a person's body or to control a person or animal.

   The climber checked his safety harness before starting up the cliff.

3. 3
   verb

   To put a harness on an animal so it can pull something.

   They harnessed the horse to the cart before setting off.

4. 4
   noun

   A bundle of wires or cables grouped together by function.

   A faulty wiring harness caused the car's electrical problems.

From Middle English harneys, harnes, harneis, harnais, herneis, from Anglo-Norman harneis and Old French hernois (“equipment used in battle”), believed to be from Old Norse *hernest, from herr (“army”) + nest (“provisions”) (from Proto-Germanic *nesaną (“to heal, recover”)). More at harry.

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