YOKE, in agriculture, is a wooden frame, adapted to the necks of oxen; by means of which they are coupled and fastened to the plough, or other vehicle. It is composed, 1. of a thick piece of wood, that passes over the neck, and is strictly called the yoke; 2. of a bow, which encompasses the neck; and, 3. of the wreathings or stitchings, that serve to connect the whole. Beside these parts, there are employed, a ring, denominated the yoke-ring; and a chain, for securing the traces.
The yokes chiefly used in England, are those known under the name of the Roman Ox-yokes, which are preferable to the cumbersome frames formerly employed; because the animals thus acquire a greater power of draught. As, however, the Roman yokes are apt to chafe the necks, and the oxen are compelled to draw with their noses close to the ground, we conceive the Portuguese, and French methods of working oxen to be the most effectual; and, having already given an account of them, we refer the reader to vol. iii. pp. 323-24.