harness

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   exploit the power of

   harness natural forces and resources

2. 2
   verb

   put a harness

   harness the horse

3. 3
   noun

   A collection of wires or cables bundled and routed according to their function: a wiring harness.

   The cars then enter the main lines for further assembly - including the installation of internal electrical harnesses, underfloor equipment, internal panelling, roof equipment, carpets, seats and tables.

4. 4
   noun

   The complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; armour in general.

   Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind! come, wrack! At least we'll die with harness on our back.

5. 5
   verb

   To place a harness on something; to tie up or restrain.

   They harnessed the horse to the post.

6. 6
   verb

   To capture, control or put to use.

   Imagine what might happen if it were possible to harness solar energy fully.

7. 7
   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

8. 8
   noun

   a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)

Etymology

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.