yoke

[[t]yoʊk[/t]]

n. pl. yokes, yoke

1) a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, esp. oxen, usu. consisting of a crosspiece with two bow-shaped pieces, each enclosing the head of an animal

Compare harness 1)

2) a pair of draft animals fastened together by a yoke

3) something resembling a yoke in form or use

4) a frame fitting a person's neck and shoulders, for carrying a pair of buckets or the like

5) an agency of oppression, servitude, etc

6) an emblem or symbol of subjection, servitude, etc., as an archway under which prisoners of war were compelled to pass by the ancient Romans and others

7) something that couples or binds together; bond or tie

8) mac a viselike piece gripping two parts firmly together

9) a fitting for the neck of a draft animal for suspending the tongue of a cart, carriage, etc., from a harness

10) aer. (in an airplane) a double handle, somewhat like a steering wheel in form, by which the elevators are controlled

11) navig. a crossbar on the head of a rudder, rigged so that a boat can be steered from forward

12) clo a shaped and fitted piece in a garment, as at the shoulders or the hips, from which the rest of the garment hangs

13) elm rtv an electromagnetic assembly placed around the neck of a cathode-ray tube to produce and control the scanning motion of electron beams inside the tube

14) to put a yoke on

15) to attach (a draft animal) to a plow or vehicle

16) to harness a draft animal to (a plow or vehicle)

17) to join, couple, link, or unite

18) Obs. to bring into subjection or servitude

19) to be or become joined, linked, or united

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Etymology: bef. 900; OE geoc, c. OHG joh, ON ok, L jugum, Gk zygón, Skt yugám