Harness — Defs

01 n. Originally, the complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; hence, in general, armor.

1.
Originally, the complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; hence, in general, armor.
“At least we'll die with harness on our back.” — Shak.
2.
The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for drawing a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling.
3.
The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.

Phrases & compounds

To die in harness — to die with armor on; hence, colloquially, to die while actively engaged in work or duty.

02 v. t. To dress in armor; to equip with armor for war, as a horseman; to array.

imp. & p. p. Harnessed; p. pr. & vb. n. Harnessing

1.
To dress in armor; to equip with armor for war, as a horseman; to array.
“Harnessed in rugged steel.” — Rowe.

“A gay dagger, Harnessed well and sharp as point of spear.” — Chaucer.
2.
Fig.: To equip or furnish for defense.
3.
To make ready for draught; to equip with harness, as a horse. Also used figuratively.
“Harnessed to some regular profession.” — J. C. Shairp.

Phrases & compounds

Harnessed antelope — See Guib.

Harnessed moth — an American bombycid moth (Arctia phalerata of Harris), having, on the fore wings, stripes and bands of buff on a black ground.