“Die in harness”
(death in harness) means to die with armor on; to die while actively engaged in
work or duty.
This phrase is often used
to refer to Government or Non government servants who die while in active
service.
The phrase has roots
in Roman culture and tradition.
In ancient Roman
culture, all soldiers were dedicated as bridegrooms to the goddesses of war.
They were not permitted to marry or have a family. They were 24x7 soldiers.
Once they joined the military service, they discarded all ties with their
family. All of them were unmarried young men.