Plural of 'harn,' referring to multiple pieces of harness equipment or hardware for controlling animals.
From Old English and Germanic roots meaning 'equipment' or 'gear.' The word 'harn' developed in Middle English from broader terms for animal tackle and became specialized in equestrian vocabulary.
In Shakespeare's time, 'harns' was a common term heard in stables and marketplaces, though it's nearly disappeared from modern English—one of many precise technical terms lost when horse culture faded from daily life.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.