Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
HARNESS
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English herneis baggage, gear, from Anglo-French harneis, herneis, probably from Old Norse *hernest, from herr army + nest provisions
Date: 14th century
1. the gear other than a yoke of a draft animal, gear , equipment ,
2. occupational surroundings or routine , close association ,
3. something that resembles a harness (as in holding or fastening something) , prefabricated wiring with insulation and terminals ready to be attached, a part of a loom which holds and controls the heddles,
II. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1. to put a harness on, to attach by means of a harness, to tie together ; yoke , utilize