1) Typically found in the plural, with the same meaning as ‘crucks’. These were pairs of curved timbers which met at the top point of the roof and supported the roof tree.
1502 had as many ookes taken in Godlande [Goathland] as made after the maner of the Contrey iij pair of forkes, with other bemes and wall plaites, Pickering
1537 paid to a wright for setting up a payr of forks affore geven by the kynges officer viijd, Bridlington
1754 2 pair of centres or Furks standing towards the east-end of the barn, Hutton le Hole. An East Riding farmer used the word in an explanation of how local thatchers worked: 1642 if the forkes bee 15 or 16 foote high, then they will sowe in 3 severall places, if 19 or 20 foote high then … in 4 places, viz. first close to the wallplates, then 2 foote belowe the side wivers, Elmswell.