yoke

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.