The word "hames" is often misspelled due to its unusual pronunciation. It is pronounced as /heɪmz/, with a long "a" sound followed by the "m" and "z" sounds. This odd combination of sounds can make it difficult for some to spell the word correctly. "Hames" refers to the curved part of a horse's harness that fits around its neck. To avoid misspelling, it is helpful to remember the specific pronunciation and practice spelling it phonetically.
Hames refer to a pair of wooden or metal curved frames, often made of iron or steel, that are attached to the shoulders of a draft horse to distribute the weight of a load or a carriage. They play a crucial role in harnessing the horse for various pulling purposes, such as plowing, farming, or transportation. The purpose of hames is to transfer the force applied by the horse onto the collar, which is then utilized to pull the load.
Typically, hames consist of two main parts: the collar and the hame itself. The collar is a padded leather or fabric band that fits around the horse's neck and shoulders, while the hame is the curved metallic component that attaches to the collar and forms a connection point for the traces or the shafts of a vehicle. The hames are secured in position by a series of straps and fasteners, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for the horse.
In addition to their primary function of weight distribution, hames also provide stability and control, helping to guide the horse's movements and maintain proper alignment during pulling tasks. They are an integral part of traditional horse-drawn vehicles and are still used in many agricultural and transportation settings today.
Overall, hames are essential components in equine harnessing, facilitating the efficient utilization of a horse's power for various tasks while considering its comfort and safety.
A kind of collar for a draught-horse consisting of two pieces of iron or wood to which the traces are fastened.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hames" has an interesting etymology that can be traced back to Old English and Middle English.
The term "hames" originated from the Old English word "hamas" or "hamasweorc", which meant a kind of harness or yoke used to attach horses or oxen to a vehicle or a plow. It was typically made of wood or sometimes iron.
The Middle English variation of the word, "hame", continued to refer to the same type of harness or yoke used in draft animals. Over time, the spelling evolved to "hames", which is the form commonly used today.
The exact origin of the Old English word "hamas" is uncertain. However, it is believed to have been derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hamō" or "hamōn", which meant "noose" or "collar".