pitchfork

[pich-fawrk]

noun

1. a large, long-handled fork for manually lifting and pitching pitch pitching hay, stalks of grain, etc.

2. Northern U.S.,  pitchforks, beggar's-lice, especially the achenes of Spanish needles.

verb (used with object)

1. to pitch or throw with or as if with a pitchfork.

pitchfork

/ ˈpɪtʃˌfɔːk /

noun

1. a long-handled fork with two or three long curved tines for lifting, turning, or tossing hay

verb

1. to use a pitchfork on (something)

2. to thrust (someone) unwillingly into a position

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitchfork¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; pitch ¹, fork

Example Sentences

“Every skull has had a thought,” he says, stabbing a freshly decapitated one with his pitchfork.

From Los Angeles Times

Police officers on Thursday were seen holding pitchforks as they combed land in the area on the outskirts of the municipality of Lagos and some used pick-axes and shovels to dig some of the undergrowth.

From BBC

“The bigger picture is that regular people can manipulate the entire public and the media into a pitchfork mob mentality against innocent people and the district attorney’s office goes along with it,” Jonas said.

From Los Angeles Times

Our spa attendant for the day, Samundra Sutcliffe, lodged a large pitchfork into the vat shavings and turned it over on top of itself as steam emanated from the pile.

From Los Angeles Times

He spent three years in prison after being charged with attempted murder for a pitchfork attack in Napa County.

From Los Angeles Times