pitchfork
UK[ˈpɪtʃfɔːk]US[ˈpɪtʃfɔːrk]
n
a farm tool with a long handle and two or three sharp metal points, used for lifting and throwing hay or straw.
n
a similar tool or weapon, often associated with an angry mob.
v
to lift, throw, or move something with a pitchfork.
Morpheme Breakdown
pitch
fork
pitch
fork
Etymology
the word 'pitchfork' is a transparent compound from middle english, directly combining the action and the tool. the element 'pitch' derives from an old english verb meaning to thrust or pierce, capturing the tool's primary function of impaling and tossing material. 'fork' originates from the latin 'furca', referring to a forked stake or implement, which describes the tool's distinctive pronged shape. the compound thus logically names a 'fork for pitching', evolving from a literal agricultural description to also carry symbolic connotations of rustic uprising.
Analysis
Structure: pitch + fork
pitch: from middle english 'picchen', meaning to thrust or pierce; functional role: conveys the action of thrusting or throwing.
fork: from old english 'forca', from latin 'furca', meaning a two-pronged implement; functional role: denotes the object's forked shape.
Examples
the farmer used a pitchfork to spread the hay across the barn floor.
in the classic horror movie, the angry villagers approached the castle with torches and pitchforks.
we had to pitchfork the manure into the wagon before the rain started.