Yōke1, n.
(20), n. [A-S. geoc, ioc, iuc, L. Ger. jok, jog, D. juk, jok, Goth. juk, O. H. Ger. joh, N. H. Ger. joch, Icel. & Sw. ok, Dan. åg, allied to Lat. jugum, Gr. ζυγόν, Lith. jungas, Skr. yuga, Slav. igo; Lat. jungere, Skr. yuj.]
Sense 1. That which connects or binds; chain; link; bond of connection.
This yoke of marriage from us both remove. Dryden.
Sense 2. Hence, specifically, (a.) The frame of wood by which two oxen are fastened together for drawing.
A yearling bullock to thy name shall smoke, Untamed, unconscious of the galling yoke. Pope.
The yoke for oxen is usually a piece of timber hollowed or made curving near each end, and is laid on the necks of the oxen, being secured in place by two bows, one inclosing each neck, and fastened to the timber. In France, and elsewhere on the Continent, the yoke consists of a flat piece of wood fastened to the forehead of the ox, each animal having a separate one.
Sense 3. Hence, a frame worn on the neck like an ox-yoke, or shaped like one; as, (a.) A frame of wood fitted to a person’s shoulders for carrying a pail, &c., suspended on each side; as, a milk-maid’s yoke. (b.) A frame worn on the neck of an animal, as a cow, a pig, a goose, to prevent passage through a fence. (c.) A frame or convex piece by which a bell is hung for ringing it. (d.) (Naut.) A frame at right angles to the head of a boat’s rudder, from the end of which are lines by which the boat is steered. Totten.
Sense 4. A mark of servitude; hence, servitude; slavery; bondage; service.
Our country sinks beneath the yoke. Shak.
My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. xi. 30.
Sense 5. Two animals yoked together; a couple; a pair that work together.
I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them. Luke xiv. 19.
Sense 6. The quantity of land plowed in a day by a yoke of oxen. [Obs.] Gardner.
Sense 7. A portion of the working day; as, to work two yokes, that is, to work both portions of the day, or morning and afternoon. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.