Origin: Germanic Old English suffix
Harness has 8 different meanings across 2 categories:
a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)
"The skydiver checked her harness before jumping out of the plane."
stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart
"The farmer tightened the harness on his horse before hitching him to the heavy wagon."
A restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps.
"The horse wore a sturdy leather harness to secure it safely to the carriage."
In plain English: A harness is a set of straps worn around your body to help you stay safe while riding an animal or using special equipment.
"The old horse had leather harnesses that fit perfectly over its shoulders and chest."
Usage: As a noun, a harness is specifically the set of straps and loops used to secure an animal for pulling loads or supporting equipment like skis. It refers strictly to this physical restraint device rather than any abstract concept of control.
To place a harness on something; to tie up or restrain.
"The farmer carefully harnessed the horse before attaching it to the plow."
In plain English: To harness something means to use its power effectively, such as using wind energy to generate electricity.
"The engineers learned how to harness the power of wind to generate electricity for their village."
From Middle English harneys, harnes, harneis, harnais, herneis, from Anglo-Norman harneis and Old French hernois ("equipment used in battle"), believed to be from Old Norse hernest, from herr ("army") + nest ("provisions") (from Proto-Germanic nesaną ("to heal, recover")). More at harry.