ETYM Old Eng. harneis, harnes, Old Fren. harneis, French harnais, harnois; of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. harnez old iron, armor, W. haiarn iron, Armor. houarn, Irish iarann, Gael. iarunn. Related to Iron.
1. An arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart.
2. An arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute).