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

But my increasing irritation with the American healthcare system could make me grab a pitchfork before too long.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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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.

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“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.

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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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times