— harnesser , n. — harnessless , adj. — harnesslike , adj.
/hahr"nis/ , n.
1. the combination of straps, bands, and other parts forming the working gear of a draft animal. Cf. yoke 1 (def. 1).
2. (on a loom) the frame containing heddles through which the warp is drawn and which, in combination with another such frame or other frames, forms the shed and determines the woven pattern.
3. the equipment, as straps, bolts, or gears, by which a large bell is mounted and rung.
4. Elect. See wiring harness .
5. armor for persons or horses.
6. in double harness . See double harness (def. 2).
7. in harness ,
a. engaged in one's usual routine of work: After his illness he longed to get back in harness.
b. together as cooperating partners or equals: Joe and I worked in harness on our last job.
v.t.
8. to put a harness on (a horse, donkey, dog, etc.); attach by a harness, as to a vehicle.
9. to bring under conditions for effective use; gain control over for a particular end: to harness water power; to harness the energy of the sun.
10. Archaic. to array in armor or equipments of war.
[ 1250-1300; ME harneis, herneis herneis baggage, equipment hernest provisions for an armed force, equiv. to herr army (cf. HARBOR, HERALD) + nest provisions for a journey ]
Syn. 9. control, manage, utilize, exploit.