Harness

n. [O. Fr. harnas, N. Fr. harnais, harnois, Pr., Sp., & Pg. arnes, It. arnese, W. harnais, haiarnaez, Ir. & Gael. airneis, from W. haiarn, iron, Armor. houarn, hoiarn, Ir. iarn, Gael. iarnum, D. harnas, Ger. harnisch, Dan. harnisk, Sw. harnesk, L. Lat. harnascha, harnesium.]

1Sense 1. The iron covering or dress which a soldier formerly wore, and which was fastened to the body by straps and buckles; coat of mail; also, the whole accoutrements, offensive and defensive armor, of a knight or soldier; the armor of a horse.

At least we'll die with harness on our back. Shak.

2Sense 2. The equipments of a draught horse, for a wagon, coach, gig, chaise, &c.; tackle; tackling.

3Sense 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.