[yoke] n, pl yokes [ME yok, fr. OE geoc; akin to OHG joh yoke, L jugum, Gk zygon, Skt yuga, L jungere to join] (bef. 12c) 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): the control device for an airplane's ailerons that is mounted on a column which also serves to operate the elevator 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. pl usu yoke : two animals yoked or worked together 3 a (1): an oppressive agency (2): servitude, bondage b: tie, link; esp: marriage
4: a fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments
[2]yoke vb yoked ; yok.ing vt (bef. 12c) 1 a (1): to put a yoke on (2): to join in or with a yoke b: to attach a draft animal to; also: to attach (a draft animal) to something
2: to join as if by a yoke
3: to put to work ~ vi: to become joined or linked