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.
Phrases and idioms:
in harness in the routine of daily work.
Derivatives:
harnesser n.
Etymology: ME f. OF harneis military equipment f. ON hernest (unrecorded) f. herr army + nest provisions