andiron

[ and-ahy-ern ]

noun

1. one of a pair of metal stands, usually of iron or brass, for holding logs in a fireplace.

andiron

/ ˈændˌaɪən /

noun

1. another name for firedog

Word History and Origins

Origin of andiron¹

1250–1300; Middle English aundyr ( n ) e, Anglo-French aundyre, with the 2nd syllable taken as Middle English ire, iren iron < Old French andier, allegedly < Gaulish *anderos young animal (through known use of animals’ heads as decorations on andirons), though supposed relation between this word and Middle Welsh anneir, Breton annoer heifer, Old Irish ainder young woman, poses serious phonetic problems

Word History and Origins

Origin of andiron¹

C14: from Old French andier, of unknown origin; influenced by iron

Example Sentences

Moodily he stood there, one hand on the high mantel shelf, one foot upon an andiron, his eyes upon the flames.

From Project Gutenberg

Andiron, and′ī-urn, n. the iron bars which support the ends of the logs in a wood fire, or in which a spit turns.

From Project Gutenberg

The dog stretched himself before one andiron; the cat squat down before the other.

From Project Gutenberg

Chenet is the French expression, an andiron, or dog-iron, as it is sometimes called.

From Project Gutenberg

A mug of cider stood near one andiron; leaning against the other was a flat stone,—the Squire's "Simon."

From Project Gutenberg