beasts of burden crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "beasts of burden crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "beasts of burden crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
OX: A castrated male bovine, commonly used as a draft animal for plowing and hauling.
3 Letters
ASS: Another term for a donkey, known for its use in transport and farm work.
4 Letters
MULE: A hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, valued for its strength, endurance, and sure-footedness.
5 Letters
CAMEL: A large desert mammal, well-adapted for carrying heavy loads over long distances in arid environments.
6 Letters
DONKEY: A domesticated member of the horse family, widely used around the world as a working animal.
More About "beasts of burden crossword clue"
The term "beasts of burden" refers to animals that are domesticated and used by humans to carry heavy loads, pull carts, or perform other strenuous tasks. These animals have played a crucial role throughout history in agriculture, transportation, and construction, particularly before the advent of mechanized vehicles. Common examples include horses, donkeys, oxen, mules, camels, and llamas.
When solving a crossword clue for "beasts of burden," it's important to consider the specific context. Sometimes the clue might hint at a geographical region (e.g., "Andean beast of burden" for LLAMA) or a particular characteristic (e.g., "desert beast of burden" for CAMEL). The number of letters in the answer is always your primary guide, but a deeper understanding of these animals and their historical uses can unlock even the trickiest variations of this clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: Always start by matching the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options significantly.
- Consider Synonyms and Related Concepts: Crossword setters love to use synonyms or slightly obscure terms. For "beasts of burden," think of synonyms for 'animal,' 'laborer,' or 'carrier.'
- Look for Specific Descriptors: Often, clues include additional words that point to a unique characteristic, habitat, or common use of the animal (e.g., "desert," "mountain," "plowing"). Use these to refine your choice.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most fundamental crossword strategy and helps confirm or eliminate possibilities quickly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common animals considered 'beasts of burden'?
The most common animals considered beasts of burden include donkeys, mules, horses, oxen, camels, llamas, and elephants. These animals have historically been, and in many parts of the world still are, vital for transportation and labor.
How can understanding animal types help with 'beasts of burden' crossword clues?
Knowing the various categories of animals (equine, bovine, camelid, etc.) and their specific uses can greatly assist. For instance, if the clue hints at a desert animal, CAMEL or DROMEDARY might be suitable. If it's a hybrid, MULE is a strong contender. Always consider the cultural context and geographical use of the animal.
Are 'beasts of burden' clues always about specific animals?
While usually referring to specific animals, sometimes 'beasts of burden' can be used more broadly or metaphorically in clues, requiring you to think about the concept of carrying a load. However, in most standard crosswords, it points to the common working animals.