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A pitchfork is a long agricultural tool or implement typically featuring a long handle and two or three sharp, pointed prongs or tines, used mainly for handling loose materials like hay, straw, or manure. The prongs are usually spaced apart and curving, resembling the prongs of a fork, making it an effective tool for digging, lifting, and turning over materials.
Pitchforks have been used by farmers and laborers for centuries, particularly in rural and agricultural settings. They are commonly made of durable materials such as steel or iron, which ensure their strength and longevity. The handle of a pitchfork is usually made of wood and is designed to provide a sturdy and comfortable grip for the user.
The primary function of a pitchfork is to gather and move loose materials, such as hay or straw, in order to evenly distribute them or to transport them from one location to another. It is also a useful tool for clearing debris or breaking up compacted soil. Additionally, pitchforks are occasionally associated with the image of a devil or used metaphorically to depict aggression or hostility, owing to their sharp and threatening appearance.
Overall, the pitchfork is a versatile and essential tool in agricultural practices, assisting farmers and workers in performing a range of physical tasks effectively and efficiently.
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A farming instrument, pronged as a fork, for lifting and throwing hay or sheaves of grain; a small steel instr. having two somewhat thin and broad prongs, so graduated as to give forth a fixed musical sound on the pressure and sudden release of the prongs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "pitchfork" is derived from two Old English words: "pic" (meaning "pickaxe" or "sharp-pointed instrument") and "forca" (meaning "fork" or "spiked stick"). These words were eventually combined into the Middle English word "pykfourke" or "pycforke", which later transformed into "pitchfork" as we know it today. The term originally referred to a tool with a long handle and two or more prongs used for lifting and pitching (throwing) hay or other agricultural tasks.
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