I. ˈyōk noun
( 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
II. verb
( yoked ; yok·ing )
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
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
intransitive verb
: to become joined or linked