n.
Pronunciation: ' y ō k
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural yokes
Etymology: Middle English yok, from Old English geoc; akin to Old High German joh yoke, Latin jugum, Greek zygon, Sanskrit yuga, Latin jungere to join
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together b : an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person c : a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions d : a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or carriage is suspended from the collars of the harness e (1) : a crosspiece on the head of a boat's rudder (2) : an airplane control operating the elevators and ailerons f : a frame from which a bell is hung g : a clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them in position
2 plural usually yoke : two animals yoked or worked together
3 a (1) : an oppressive agency (2) : SERVITUDE , BONDAGE b : TIE , LINK especially : MARRIAGE
4 : a fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments