catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Harness \Har"ness\ (-n[e^]s), n. [OE. harneis, harnes, OF.
     harneis, F. harnais, harnois; of Celtic origin; cf. Armor.
     harnez old iron, armor, W. haiarn iron, Armor. houarn, Ir.
     iarann, Gael. iarunn. Cf. Iron.]
     1. Originally, the complete dress, especially in a military
        sense, of a man or a horse; hence, in general, armor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              At least we'll die with harness on our back. --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for drawing
        a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     To die in harness, to die with armor on; hence,
        colloquially, to die while actively engaged in work or
        duty.
        [1913 Webster]

  Harness \Har"ness\, n. [OE. harneis, harnes, OF. harneis, F.
     harnais, harnois; of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. harnez old
     iron, armor, W. haiarn iron, Armor. houarn, Ir. iarann, Gael.
     iarunn. Gf. Iron.]
     1. Originally, the complete dress, especially in a military
        sense, of a man or a horse; hence, in general, armor.
  
              At least we 'll die witch harness on our back.
                                                    --Shak.
  
     2. The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for drawing
        a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling.
  
     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.
  
     To die in harness, to die with armor on; hence,
        colloquially, to die while actively engaged in work or
        duty.