Harness
/ˈhɑːr.nəs/noun
A set of straps and fittings used to control or secure an animal or person, or a system for distributing force.
Did you know?In Middle English, a harness could mean armor and military equipment, so the word once lived in the world of war before it settled into everyday use.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*harniską
“equipment, gear, armor”
Old French
OF
harnais
“equipment, harness, armor”
Middle English
ME
harnas
“armor; military equipment; harness”
14th Century
English
harness
“armor, defensive gear; later, equipment for horses”
Modern English
English
harness
“a set of straps and fittings used to control or secure something”