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

More likely, he’d be chased out with flaming pitchforks, like in that book about the girl and the beast.

From Literature

She was no longer telling us not to speak to him, and the pitchfork was nowhere to be seen.

From Literature

A witty theater owner would match the mood by selling torches and pitchforks at the concession stand.

From The Wall Street Journal

I had a quick picture of Da standing outside our doorway one summer, the rick of hay caught on the edge of his pitchfork.

From Literature

“When things crystallize like this, it brings out the pitchforks and the torches,” said Marc Cenedella, CEO of the jobs platform Ladders.

From The Wall Street Journal