I. ˈpichˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English pychforke, alteration (influenced by pichen to pitch, throw) of pikfork, from pik pick + fork — more at pitch , pick , fork
1. : a usually long-handled fork typically with two or three long somewhat curved prongs for pitching hay or straw or similar material
2.
a. : the fruit of an herb of the genus Bidens
b. pitchforks plural but singular or plural in construction : bur marigold
II. transitive verb
1. : to lift and toss with or as if with a pitchfork
pitchforked the hay into the wagon
2. : to thrust into something suddenly and unexpectedly or without preparation : throw into something precipitately and by surprise
was pitchforked into the job by destiny — G.W.Johnson
their very success … pitchforked them into the place of world leadership — Times Literary Supplement
is literally pitchforked into astounding triumphs — Wolcott Gibbs