Webster's English Dictionary

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yoke

1. yoke \'yo-k\ n or yokes also yoke [ME yok, fr. OE geoc; akin to OHG joh 
   yoke, L jugum, Gk] pl  zygon, L jungere to join 1a: a wooden bar or frame 
   by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined a t the heads or necks for 
   working together 1b: an arched device formerly laid upon the neck of a 
   defeated person  1c: a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load 
   in two equal por tions 1d: a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon 
   or carriage is suspende d from the collars of the harness 1e1: a crosspiece 
   on the head of a boat's rudder  1e2: an airplane lever operating the 
   elevators and the ailerons  1f: a frame from which a bell is hung  1g: a 
   clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them  in 
   position pl  2: tow animals yoked or worked together  3a1: an oppressive 
   agency  3a2: SERVITUDE, BONDAGE  3b: TIE, LINK; esp : MARRIAGE  4: a fitted 
   or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of var ious 
   garments
2. yoke vt 1a1: to put a yoke on  1a2: to join in or with a yoke  1b: 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  : to become joined or linked