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Beast of burden (4) Crossword Clue
Answer: OXEN (4 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Beast of burden" with 4 letters is "OXEN".Oxen are domesticated animals, typically used as beasts of burden to perform heavy tasks such as plowing fields or pulling carts. Known for their strength and endurance, oxen have been essential in agriculture and transportation for centuries, particularly in regions where mechanized equipment is unavailable.
Why “Oxen” Fits
The clue asks for a noun (4) meaning “beast of burden.”
The answer, OXEN, fits because “oxen” is the plural of “ox,” a domesticated bovine used worldwide as a draft animal to pull ploughs, carts, and loads literally a classic beast of burden.
The definition uses the singular generically, while the grid entry uses the common plural form.
A Bit of Background
For centuries, oxen have been harnessed for heavy agricultural and transport work, valued for their strength and endurance rather than for speed.
Because of this traditional role, “ox” (and therefore “oxen” in the plural) is one of the stock examples English speakers think of when they hear “beast of burden.”
Crossword Solving Insight
In quick crosswords, clues like “Beast of burden (4)” often expect the plural answer OXEN, since four letters are needed and the singular OX has only three.
The semantic fit is exact, and the length matches the enumeration (4), making OXEN the natural intended solution.
