beast of burden

American  

noun

1. an animal used for carrying heavy loads or pulling heavy equipment, as a donkey, mule, or ox.

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beast of burden British  

noun

1. an animal, such as a donkey or ox, used for carrying loads

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Etymology

Origin of beast of burden

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Such an estimation makes the Targaryen name the beast of burden hauling most of the narrative, which has so far amounted to half-empty crates.

From Salon • Aug. 2, 2024

Samart Suksawang, mayor of Napa, said the event honours the buffalo's traditional role as beast of burden in rice farming.

From Reuters • Aug. 6, 2023

It’s a beautifully photographed journey through the human condition and a sometimes harrowing portrait of life as a beast of burden.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2023

Each step he took had a stiffness and wariness that evoked months of existence as a human beast of burden in shoes that never fit.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2021

So Bill was going as the beast of burden, yet he was the only member of the Company that did not seem depressed.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien