[Com. Teut. str. neuter: OE. ¼eoc = OS. juc (MLG. juk, MDu. juc, joc, LG., Du. juk, jok), OHG. juh, joch, (MHG., G. joch), ON. ok (Sw. åka, Da. aag), Goth. juk, corresp. to L. jugum, W. iau, OSl. igo, Skr. yugá-m:—Indo-eur. *jugóm.
The Indo-eur. series jeug-: joug-: jug- is represented also by OHG., MHG. giuh, jiuch yoke, ‘yoke’ of land (whence late OHG. jûhhart, MHG. jûchert, dial. G. jauchert, juchert), L. jGgerum measure of land, Gr. yoke of beasts, couple; ON. eykr (:—Teut- *jaukiz), Skr. yógya beast of draught; Skr. yuj, L. jungere, Lith. jungiù to yoke, couple, join, Skr. yóga union.
On the analogy of lock n.1 from OE. loc, the modern standard form would be yock, which survives in certain (chiefly north-midland) districts. Orthographic evidence for the lengthening of the stem vowel (which began first in the inflected forms) appears in the latter part of the 14th century.]
Tha above passage is the etymology of the word yoke; Considering the endless list of cognates that was required for tanslation this week, I find it fascinating that many of the languages we were comparing -- Germans(high and middle and low), Latin, Greek, Old Norse, Old English, Sanskrit, ans Lithuanian, to name a few represented here -- were trapped in the history of this one little word. I was drawn to this word for two reasons, and have discovered in searching a close third: one, I own a yoke, which was carved by hand for a wedding gift and has come in useful many a time hauling water buckets at living history events; two, I always loved the fight that the title expression is featured in from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing; and newly, three, I love that this highly domesitc, ordinary, hard-working and no airs about it farming word comes from the same root at the metropolitan health and wellness craze of star and wannabe alike: YOGA. I always thought Madonna was full of bull; now I know I was not far off, she just shares the same equipment.
I. 1. a. A contrivance, used from ancient times, by which two animals, esp. oxen, are coupled together for drawing a plough or vehicle; usually consisting of a somewhat curved or hollowed piece of wood fitted with ‘bows’ or hoops at the ends which are passed round the animals’ necks, and having a ring or hook attached to the middle to which is fastened a chain or trace extending backward by which the plough or vehicle is drawn.
in the yoke: with the oxen yoked up.
Can you see the material girl pulling a plough? Or even being photographed with one?
3. a. A frame fitted to the neck and shoulders of a person for carrying a pair of pails, baskets, etc.
This definition is closer to the one I own.
b. A part of a garment, made to fit the shoulders (or the hips), and supporting the depending parts, often of double thickness, of special material, or particularly ornamented.
This definition reminds me of one of the sinful pleasures I am afforded as a stay-at-home mom: the Hallmark Channel broadcasts re-runs of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman on weekday mornings. Jane Seymour, the lovely title character, is always seen sporting a prairie gown with a double-thick rounded yoke and high collar. Seventy-five percent of the productions I costumed in high school took place between 1880 and 1910, so I've tossed a few yokes around in this sense, too.
8b. With various other implications, as of connexion, co-operation, labour, etc.; in reference to marriage, combining the ideas of union or co-operation and subjection or restraint.
The "a" portion of this definition mentions servitude or slavery....hmmmm...The women on the web nod in silent agreement, whilst the men hear the strains of "Don't Fence Me In" playing in the background.
And now, back from hiatus, the definition challenge: a never-before seen scene from Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.
Sully: Dr. Mike! Dr. Mike! Come quick! The oxen slipped their yoke (definition one) and just trampled someone!
Dr. Mike: Sully! Go and fetch me some clean water with the yoke (definition 3a) and have Colleen prepare the bandages. And by the way, you look incredible in that outfit!
Sully: Well, then, how about you changing the dress with the high-collared yoke(definition 3b) and meeting me in the meadow when you are all done?
Dr. Mike: What, so you can trap me in a yoke(definition 8b) of love and the next thing you know you're off tracking bear with Cloud Dancing and I am home polishing your tomahawk collection? Fat chance!
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