Webster's Dictionary 1828 - Online Edition

Webster's Dictionary 1828

Americal Dictionary of the English Language

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YOKE, noun [G., Latin , Gr.]

1. A piece of timber, hollowed or made curving near each end, and fitted with bows for receiving the necks of oxen; by which means two are connected for drawing. From a ring or hook in the bow, a chain extends to the thing to be drawn, or to the yoke of another pair of oxen behind.

2. A mark of servitude; slavery; bondage.

Our country sinks beneath the yoke

3. A chain; a link; a bond of connection; as the yoke of marriage.

4. A couple; a pair; as a yoke of oxen.

5. Service.

My yoke is easy. Matthew 11:29.

YOKE, verb transitive

1. To put a yoke on; to join in a yoke; as, to yoke oxen, or a pair of oxen.

2. To couple; to join with another.

Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb.

3. To enslave; to bring into bondage.

4. To restrain; to confine. Libertines like not to be yoked in marriage.

The words and promises that yoke the conqueror, are quickly broke.