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edit · refresh · view Word of the day for December 15
yoke v
(transitive) To join (several draught animals) together with a yoke; also, to fasten a yoke (on one or more draught animals) to pull a cart, plough, etc.; or to attach (a cart, plough, etc.) to a draught animal. To put (one's arm or arms) around someone's neck, waist, etc.; also, to surround (someone's neck, waist, etc.) with one's arms. To put (something) around someone's neck like a yoke; also, to surround (someone's neck) with something. (historical) To place a collar on the neck of (a conquered person or prisoner) to restrain movement. (agriculture) To place a frame on the neck of (an animal such as a cow, pig, or goose) to prevent passage through a fence or other barrier. (figuratively) To bring (two or more people or things) into a close relationship (often one that is undesired); to connect, to link, to unite. (obsolete) To bring into or keep (someone) in bondage or a state of submission; to enslave; to confine, to restrain; to oppress, to subjugate. (chiefly Scotland, archaic, passive) To be joined to (another person) in wedlock (often with the implication that it is a burdensome state); to be or become married to (someone). (intransitive) To be or become connected, linked, or united in a relationship; to have dealings with. (chiefly Scotland, obsolete) To be or become joined in wedlock; to be married, to wed. yoke n Senses relating to a frame around the neck. A bar or frame by which two oxen or other draught animals are joined at their necks enabling them to pull a cart, plough, etc.; (by extension) a device attached to a single draught animal for the same purpose. Any of various linking or supporting objects that resembles a yoke (sense 1.1); a crosspiece, a curved bar, etc. A pole carried on the neck and shoulders of a person, used for carrying a pair of buckets, etc., one at each end of the pole; a carrying pole. (aviation) Any of various devices with crosspieces used to control an aircraft; specifically, the control column. (video games) A similar device used as a game controller. (bodybuilding) Well-developed muscles of the neck and shoulders. (clothing) The part of an item of clothing which fits around the shoulders or the hips from which the rest of the garment hangs, and which is often distinguished by having a double thickness of material, or decorative flourishes. [...] (historical) A collar placed on the neck of a conquered person or prisoner to restrain movement. (agriculture) A frame placed on the neck of an animal such as a cow, pig, or goose to prevent passage through a fence or other barrier. (Ancient Rome) Chiefly in pass under the yoke: a raised yoke (sense 1.1), or a symbolic yoke formed from two spears installed upright in the ground with another spear connecting their tops, under which a defeated army was made to march as a sign of subjugation. [...] Senses relating to quantities, and other extended uses. (chiefly Kent, archaic) An area of arable land, specifically one consisting of a quarter of a suling, or around 50–60 acres (20–24 hectares); hence, a small manor or piece of land. (chiefly England, regional (especially Kent), and Scotland, historical) An amount of work done with draught animals, lasting about half a day; (by extension) an amount or shift of any work. (figuratively) From sense 1.1: a bond of love, especially marriage; also, a bond of friendship or partnership; an obligation or task borne by two or more people. From sense 1.3.1: something which oppresses or restrains a person; a burden.
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