yoke

  • noun 1 a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to a plough or cart that they pull in unison. 2 (pl. same or yokes) a pair of yoked animals. 3 a frame fitting over the neck and shoulders of a person, used for carrying pails or baskets. 4 something that represents a bond between two parties: the yoke of marriage. 5 something oppressive or burdensome: the yoke of imperialism. 6 a part of a garment that fits over the shoulders and to which the main part of the garment is attached.

  • verb couple or attach with or to a yoke.

  — ORIGIN Old English.

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