I. ˈhär-nəs 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.
a. : the gear other than a yoke of a draft animal
b. : gear , equipment ; especially : military equipment for a horse or man
2.
a. : occupational surroundings or routine
get back into harness after a vacation
b. : close association
ability to work in harness with others — R. P. Brooks
3.
a. : something that resembles a harness (as in holding or fastening something)
a parachute harness
b. : prefabricated wiring with insulation and terminals ready to be attached
4. : a part of a loom which holds and controls the heddles
II. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : to put a harness on
b. : to attach by means of a harness
2. : to tie together : yoke
3. : utilize
harness the computer's potential