plough-beam
Definition
Noun: The "plough-beam" is the main horizontal wooden or metal bar in a plough (also spelled "plow") to which the ploughshare (the cutting blade) and other parts are attached.
Usage Examples
Advanced Usage
- "to be under the plough-beam": an archaic expression meaning to be forced into hard labor or submission, derived from the image of a draft animal pulling a plough.
- The conquered people were kept under the plough-beam of their oppressors.
Variants and Related Words
- Plough (n): a farming implement used for turning over soil.
- He bought a new plough for the large field.
- Ploughshare (n): the cutting blade of a plough.
- The ploughshare was sharpened before use.
- Beam (n): a long, sturdy piece of wood or metal used as a structural support.
- The barn's main beam held up the roof.
Synonyms
- Plow beam: an alternative spelling (common in American English).
- Plough tree: an older term for the same part.
Related Idioms
- "to put one's hand to the plough": to begin a task or commit to a course of action.
- Once he put his hand to the plough, he never gave up. (He committed fully to the task.)
Notes on Usage
- The term "plough-beam" is specific to farming equipment and is rarely used outside of agricultural contexts or historical discussions of traditional farming tools.
- In modern farming, the plough-beam is often made of steel rather than wood.