Pitchforking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pitchforking
[ˈpɪtʃfɔːrk ]
Definition
agriculture tool
A pitchfork is a agricultural tool with a long handle and a head with multiple tines, used for lifting and pitching straw, hay, or other loose material. It is often employed in farming for turning compost or hay piles. The design allows the user to easily pierce through the material and fling it into the air for aeration or transport. Pitchforks have been used for centuries and have evolved in design to accommodate different types of farming practices.
Synonyms
grape fork, hayfork, manure fork.
Examples of usage
- The farmer used a pitchfork to move the hay.
- I need to buy a new pitchfork for the barn.
- He tossed the straw with his pitchfork.
Translations
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Origin of 'pitchforking'
The term 'pitchfork' originates from the Middle English term 'pichfork', which itself is derived from the Old English 'pic' meaning 'to pierce' and 'forca', a derivative of Latin meaning 'fork'. The tool's design has remained relatively unchanged since the medieval period, providing vital assistance in agriculture with its ability to easily lift and toss loose materials. As agricultural practices advanced, the pitchfork saw adaptations for various uses, leading to the utility we recognize today. Traditionally, pitchforks were crafted from wood, but modern iterations now commonly include metal components, enhancing durability and efficacy. The pitchfork has also been symbolically associated with the rural lifestyle and has culturally represented both agricultural labor and the struggles of the working class.