Fork

n. [A-S. forc, L. Ger. forke, M. H. Ger. fürke, D. vork, Pr., O. Sp., Pg., & It. forca, O. Fr. force, forque, forche, N. Fr. fourche, Lat. furca.]

1. An instrument, consisting of a handle, with a shank terminating in two or more prongs or tines, which are usually of metal, parallel and slightly curved; used for piercing and holding or taking up any thing; as, a table-fork for food; a pitch-fork for hay or grain; a dung-fork, &c.
2. Any thing like a fork in shape, or furcate at the extremity; also, one of the parts into which any thing is bifurcated or divided; a prong; a point; a barb.

Adder’s fork and blind-worm’s sting. Shak. In fork (Mining). A mine is said to be in fork, or an engine to have the water in fork, when all the water is drawn out. Ure. — The forks of a river or road, the branches into which it divides, or which come together to form it; the place where separation or union takes place.

[imp. & p. p. FORKED (fôrkt); p. pr. & vb. n. FORKING.]

1. To shoot into blades, as corn. Mortimer.
2. To divide into two branches; as, a road forks.
3. To draw out water.