HARNESS

I. noun Etymology: Middle English herneis baggage, gear, from Anglo-French harneis, herneis, probably from Old Norse *hernest, from herr army + nest provisions Date: 14th century 1. the gear other than a yoke of a draft animal, gear , equipment , 2. occupational surroundings or routine , close association , 3. something that resembles a ~ (as in holding or fastening something) , prefabricated wiring with insulation and terminals ready to be attached, a part of a loom which holds and controls the heddles, II. transitive verb Date: 14th century 1. to put a ~ on, to attach by means of a ~, to tie together ; yoke , utilize