beast of burden
Definition
Noun: - A domesticated animal used for carrying or pulling heavy loads: A "beast of burden" is an animal trained by humans to perform laborious tasks, primarily transporting goods or people, or pulling heavy equipment like plows or carts.
Usage
The term is used to describe the specific working function of an animal, not merely its species. It emphasizes the animal's role in service to humans. - For centuries, the donkey has served as a reliable beast of burden in mountainous regions. - Before engines, elephants were used as beasts of burden to move large logs.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Contextual Use: The phrase often evokes historical or pre-industrial contexts where animal labor was essential for agriculture, construction, and transport.
- The caravans across the desert relied heavily on camels as beasts of burden.
- Figurative Use (Rare): It can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is forced to do very hard, physical work.
- He felt like a mere beast of burden at the construction site.
Variants and Related Words
- Pack animal (n): A more specific synonym for an animal that carries loads on its back.
- The hikers used mules as pack animals.
- Draft animal (n): An animal used for pulling heavy loads, like a plow or wagon.
- Oxen are powerful draft animals.
Synonyms
- Work animal: An animal used for labor.
- Draught animal (British spelling of "draft animal").
Related Phrases
- Beast of prey: (Contrasting term) An animal that hunts and kills other animals for food.
- The lion is a beast of prey, not a beast of burden.
Noun
-
an animal such as a donkey or ox or elephant used for transporting loads or doing other heavy work
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