1) The contrivance which coupled oxen together for drawing a plough.
1484 cum temmes et yhokkez, Brandsby
1544 I will that ... my two sons ... have my yokes, temes, waynes, Kirkburton
1554 my best bounde wayne, foure of the best yockes and teames, a ploughe and four of my best oxen, Monk Fryston. The coupled oxen were then referred to as a yoke: 1539 I witt to the forsaide Thomas one yoke of oxen, Woodkirk
1558 to my sonne ... one yocke of oxen with all manner of waines, plowes, Burley. A similar kind of wooden frame was attached to farm animals that foraged, to prevent them from breaking through hedgerows or fences: 1578 A payne that every manes swine be rynged and yoked before Trinitie next comynge, Lepton. Even geese had some sort of yoke to hinder their movements: 1667 that no person ... doe keepe their swine unwringed or their Geese unyoaked, South Crosland. Similar attachments allowed a person to carry pairs of baskets or pails: 1599 Three slynge yolkes and one heade yolke iiijs, Rawmarsh. It occurs in an unusual by-name: 1260 Hugh Yoktdogge of Skeffling
William Yocktdoeg of Burton Pidsea.