Definition of: yoke

(yōk) noun
1. A curved timber with attachments used for coupling draft animals, as oxen, usually having a bow at each end to receive the neck of the animal.
2. Any of many similar contrivances, as a frame fitted for a person's shoulders from the ends of which are suspended burdens intended to balance, as pails of milk.
3. Naut. A crosspiece on a rudder head, carrying yoke lines for steering.
4. Mech. A strap, clamp, clip, slotted piece, or the like, serving to confine, guide, or guard the movement of a part of a machine or mechanism.
5. A crossbar suspended from the collars in double harness for supporting the tongue or pole.
6. A part of a garment designed to support a plaited or gathered part, as at the hips or shoulders, giving shape to the garment.
7. That which binds or connects; a bond: the yoke of love.
8. In ancient Rome, a device consisting of two upright spears with a third laid transversely across them, under which a conquered army was made to march.
9. Servitude, or some visible mark of it; bondage.
10. sing. & plural A couple; pair; team: a yoke of oxen.
11. Obs. The amount of land a yoke of oxen can plow in a day.
12. Scot. The time required for a yoke of oxen to accomplish a specified amount of work; hence, a part of the day.
—v. yoked, yok·ing v.t.
1. To attach by means of a yoke, as draft animals; put a yoke upon.
2. To join with or as with a yoke; couple or link.
3. To join in marriage.
4. Rare To bring into bondage; enslave.
—v.i.
5. To be joined or linked; unite. [OE geoc]
YOKE (def. 1)