Meaning
To carry a load — especially a heavy one, and especially balanced on the head or in the arms over a distance. You 'tote' water from the standpipe, 'tote' a load of wood, or 'tote' produce to market. An everyday word of rural and working life, of African origin, describing the constant carrying that hard living demands.
Examples
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She tote water from di standpipe pon har head.
She carries water from the standpipe on her head.
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Him tote a big load a wood come home.
He carried a big load of wood home.
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Wi tote di provision to market.
We carried the provisions to market.
Origin
Of West African origin ('tota', to carry); to carry a load. See [[head-load]], [[ketch-water]].
How it’s used
To carry a (heavy) load, esp. on the head. See [[head-load]], [[ketch-water]].