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A pitchfork is a Tool with a long handle and long, thin, widely separated pointed tines (also called prongs) used to lift and throw loose material, such as Hay , Leaves , Grape s, or other agricultural products. Pitchforks typically have from 2 to 6 tines and have different lengths and spacing depending on purpose.

The pitchfork has also frequently been used as a Weapon by those who couldn't afford or didn't have access to more expensive weapons such as Sword s, or, later, Gun s. As a result, pitchforks are stereotypically carried by angry Mob s or gangs of enraged peasants.

A spading fork (sometimes called a ''garden fork'') is another tool that is Fork like and is sometimes also called a pitchfork; it is used for loosening and lifting soil in a garden or farm and is used similarly to a Spade . Its tines are usually shorter than for a pitchfork, are flat and wide rather than thin and round, and are more closely spaced. The handle is shorter than for a pitchfork and usually has a ''D'' handle. This fork is also useful for lifting Potato es from the ground.

In Europe , the pitchfork was first used in the early Middle Ages , at about the same time as the Harrow . The pitchfork was originally made entirely of wood; today, the tines are usually made of hard metal.

Because of its association with peasantry, the pitchfork is often a populist symbol and part of the nickname of populist leaders, thus:


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