■ noun
1》 a pronged implement used for lifting or holding food.
↘a pronged farm or garden tool used for digging or lifting.
2》 the point where something, especially a road or ( N. Amer. ) river, divides into two parts.
↘either of two such parts.
3》 each of a pair of supports in which a bicycle or motorcycle wheel revolves.
4》 Chess a simultaneous attack on two or more pieces by one.
■ verb
1》 divide into two parts.
↘take one route or the other at a ~.
2》 dig or lift with a ~.
3》 ( ~ something out/up ) informal pay money for something, especially reluctantly.
4》 Chess attack (two pieces) simultaneously with one.
Derivatives
~ful noun ( plural ~fuls ).
Origin
OE forca , force , based on L. furca 'pitch~, ~ed stick'; reinforced in ME by Anglo-Norman Fr. furke .