from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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At least we'll die with harness on our back. --Shak.
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2. The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for drawing
a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling.
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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.
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{To die in harness}, to die with armor on; hence,
colloquially, to die while actively engaged in work or
duty.
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