piocher

Word: piocher

---

Explanation:

Meaning:
The French verb piocher primarily means "to dig" or "to pick" using a pickaxe or a similar tool. It is often used in the context of working the soil, such as digging or breaking up earth, usually with some effort.

Primary meaning:

• To dig or break the ground with a pickaxe or hoe.
  Example: Le paysan pioche la terre pour préparer le champ.
  ("The farmer digs the soil to prepare the field.")

Secondary meaning (colloquial):

• To pull or draw cards, tiles, or items, usually from a pile or deck.
  Example: Il a pioché une carte au hasard.
  ("He drew a card at random.")
  This use is common in card or board games.

Origins / Parts:
The verb comes from the noun pioche, which means "pickaxe," and the action involves using that tool or the motion it implies.

---

Synonyms:

• For digging: creuser (to dig), bêcher (to dig up, to spade), défricher (to clear land, but slightly different)
• For drawing or picking (cards/games): tirer (to draw), choisir (to choose)

---

Antonyms:

• For digging: reboucher (to fill up, to cover again)
• For drawing cards: défausser (to discard)

---

Summary:

"piocher" can mean to dig using a pickaxe, implying physical labor, or metaphorically, to draw or pick items like cards from a pile. It connects to the idea of selecting with effort or going through something bit by bit.