Oxen, Pair of is a term used to refer to a pair of draft animals, usually cattle, that are yoked together and used for pulling heavy loads. The term 'OXEN' is derived from the Old English word 'oxa, ' which means 'pair of draft animals.' The term 'YOKE' refers to the wooden frame that is placed around the necks of the OXEN and used to attach them to a load. The term 'SPAN' is used to refer to the two animals that are yoked together.