Emily Dickinson Lexicon

YOKE, n. [Sax. geoc or ioc; D. juk; G. joch; Sw. ok; Sans. yuga or yuj; Pers. yugh, yoo; W. jau; Fr. joug; It. giogo; Sp. yugo; L. jugum; Gr. ζευγος; Slav. Russ. igo; Ch. Syr. and Ar. זוג zug, to join, L. jungo, Gr. ξυγοω.]

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. – Shak.
3. A chain; a link; a bond of connection; as, the yoke of marriage. – Dryden.
4. A couple; a pair; as, a yoke of oxen.
5. Service. My yoke is easy. – Matth. xi.