Definition of Fork

Forgetfulness

FORK noun

	An instrument used chiefly for the purpose of putting dead animals into the mouth. Formerly the knife was employed for this purpose, and by many worthy persons is still thought to have many advantages over the other tool, which, however, they do not altogether reject, but use to assist in charging the knife. The immunity of these persons from swift and awful death is one of the most striking proofs of God's mercy to those that hate Him.

		definition from: *The Devil's Dictionary* by Ambrose Bierce, 1911

Forma-pauperis.

Regular definition:

FORK:
f?:k n. & v. --n. 1 an instrument with two or more prongs used in eating or cooking. 2 a similar much larger instrument used for digging, lifting, etc. 3 any pronged device or component (tuning-fork). 4 a forked support for a bicycle wheel. 5 a a divergence of anything, e.g. a stick or road, or US a river, into two parts. b the place where this occurs. c either of the two parts (take the left fork). 6 a flash of forked lightning. 7 Chess a simultaneous attack on two pieces by one. --v. 1 intr. form a fork or branch by separating into two parts. 2 intr. take one or other road etc. at a fork (fork left for Banbury). 3 tr. dig or lift etc. with a fork. 4 tr. Chess attack (two pieces) simultaneously with one. øfork-lift truck a vehicle with a horizontal fork in front for lifting and carrying loads. fork lunch (or supper etc.) a light meal eaten with a fork at a buffet etc. fork out (or up) sl. hand over or pay, usu. reluctantly. [OE forca, force f. L furca]

Last updated: 9/3/2011 12:48:30