pitchfork

American  

[pich-fawrk] / ˈpɪtʃˌfɔrk /

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

pitchfork British  

/ ˈpɪtʃˌfɔːk /

noun

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

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verb

1. to use a pitchfork on (something)

2. to thrust (someone) unwillingly into a position

Etymology

Origin of pitchfork

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

Example Sentences

“Grandpa, if I got close enough to that monkey to offer him something to eat I could lose my arm. He’s got teeth like a pitchfork.”

From Literature

A pitchfork plunged into my pile of straw.

From Literature

Still, it seems the villagers have put down their torches and pitchforks for now.

From Barron's

Still, it seems the villagers have put down their torches and pitchforks for now.

From Barron's

They carried pitchforks and shovels and any mean-looking thing they could find, and they made a circle around Uppity and his fireplace.

From Literature