Oxbow

For the type of lake also known as oxbow, see Oxbow lake.
For the type of river also known as oxbow, see Meander.
For other uses, see Oxbow (disambiguation).
A wooden yoke, with two U-shaped metal bows, as used by a pair of bullocks or oxen in a team.

An oxbow is a U-shaped metal pole (or larger wooden frame) that fits the underside and the sides of the neck of an ox or bullock. A bow pin holds it in place.

The term "oxbow" is widely used to refer to a U-shaped meander in a river, sometimes cut off from the modern course of the river that formed it, creating an oxbow lake.