You broke empty emblem of servitude (4)

I believe the answer is:

yoke

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'servitude' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for yoke that I've seen before include "wooden frame" , "Enslave" , "Part of garment" , "Eg, pair of draught oxen" , "Badge of slavery" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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