| Noun | 1. | harness - a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)chute, parachute - rescue equipment consisting of a device that fills with air and retards your fall support - any device that bears the weight of another thing; "there was no place to attach supports for a shelf" | |
| 2. | harness - stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cartbridle - headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control cinch, girth - stable gear consisting of a band around a horse's belly that holds the saddle in place hackamore, halter - rope or canvas headgear for a horse, with a rope for leading headgear - stable gear consisting of any part of a harness that fits about the horse's head martingale - a harness strap that connects the nose piece to the girth; prevents the horse from throwing back its head trace - either of two lines that connect a horse's harness to a wagon or other vehicle or to a whiffletree | |
| Verb | 1. | harness - put a harness; "harness the horse"inspan - attach a yoke or harness to; "inspan the draft animals" unharness - remove the harness from; "unharness a horse" | |
| 2. | harness - exploit the power of; "harness natural forces and resources"exploit, tap - draw from; make good use of; "we must exploit the resources we are given wisely" | |
| 3. | harness - control and direct with or as if by reins; "rein a horse"control, command - exercise authoritative control or power over; "control the budget"; "Command the military forces" | |
| 4. | harness - keep in check; "rule one's temper" | |