yoke

noun

1. 1.

   A bar or frame by which two oxen or other draught animals are joined at their necks enabling them to pull a cart, plough, etc.; (by extension) a device attached to a single draught animal for the same purpose.

2. 2.

   Any of various linking or supporting objects that resembles a yoke (sense 1.1); a crosspiece, a curved bar, etc.

3. 3.

   Stable gear that joins two draft animals at the neck so they can work together as a team

4. 4.

   A pole carried on the neck and shoulders of a person, used for carrying a pair of buckets, etc., one at each end of the pole; a carrying pole.

5. 5.

   figuratively

   A bond of love, especially marriage; also, a bond of friendship or partnership; an obligation or task borne by two or more people.

6. 6.

   chiefly us

   A frame or convex crosspiece from which a bell is hung.

verb

1. 1.

   transitive

   To join (several draught animals) together with a yoke; also, to fasten a yoke (on one or more draught animals) to pull a cart, plough, etc.; or to attach (a cart, plough, etc.) to a draught animal.

2. 2.

   transitive

   To put (something) around someone's neck like a yoke; also, to surround (someone's neck) with something.

3. 3.

   transitive

   To put (one's arm or arms) around someone's neck, waist, etc.; also, to surround (someone's neck, waist, etc.) with one's arms.

4. 4.

   transitivefiguratively

   To bring (two or more people or things) into a close relationship (often one that is undesired); to connect, to link, to unite.

5. 5.

   intransitive

   To be or become connected, linked, or united in a relationship; to have dealings with.

6. 6.

   transitivefiguratively

   To bring into or keep (someone) in bondage or a state of submission; to enslave or subject to wage slavery; to confine, to restrain; to oppress, to subjugate.