harness
A set of straps fitting around an animal's body (usually the chest and shoulders) to control it, guide it, or attach it to a cart or load.
Unlike a collar, which goes around the neck, a harness distributes pulling force across the chest and back, preventing choking and offering better control.
Word relationships
- tackle: 'Tackle' is a broader term for equipment, especially for horses or fishing, whereas 'harness' refers specifically to the strap system.
- rigging: 'Rigging' is typically used for ships or complex mechanical setups, not animals.
Commonly confused with
- collar: A collar wraps around the neck, while a harness wraps around the torso and shoulders.
Word family
- harnessed (adjective/verb): Equipped with a harness, or controlled and utilized (e.g., 'harnessed energy').
Collocations
- dog harness
- safety harness
- strap on a harness
Idioms & expressions
- in harness (working together closely, or continuing to work up to death)
Example sentences
- "Using a front-clip harness can help prevent energetic dogs from pulling during walks." A dog training tip.
- "The farmer fastened the leather harness around the oxen before hooking them to the heavy plow." A historical description of farming.
Memory hook
Think of a knight putting on heavy 'armor' (hernois) to control his horse. Now we put a 'harness' on our dogs to control them. Harness is armor for a safe walk.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'leash' (the lead line attached to the harness) or a 'collar' (the neck band).
Fun facts
- Sled dogs wear specialized, lightweight harnesses designed to distribute their pulling power perfectly across their bodies, preventing spinal injuries over long distances.
Related words
Explore more words
leash, Suspenders, backpack, muzzle, Elizabethan collar, rucksack
Also appears in
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