n. & v.
n. 1 the equipment of straps and fittings by which a horse is fastened to a cart etc. and controlled. 2 a similar arrangement for fastening a thing to a person's body, for restraining a young child, etc.
v.tr. 1 a put a harness on (esp. a horse). b (foll. by to) attach by a harness. 2 make use of (natural resources) esp. to produce energy. in harness in the routine of daily work. harnesser n.
[ ME f. OF harneis military equipment f. ON hernest (unrecorded) f. herr army + nest provisions ]