box iron

noun

1. a flatiron that is heated by inserting live coals or a piece of hot metal in its boxlike holder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of box iron¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

A box iron very hot is best for the purpose; but the most important thing to attend to is that the paper should be perfectly dry, and it should therefore be passed between blotting-paper and well ironed before the wax is applied.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Auld, I see by his article, used a spirit lamp under a glass jar to form a drying chamber while blowing; but I have myself found a "box iron" a most convenient arrangement.

From Project Gutenberg

It was deposed by the Baron Vanloden and Eleanora Sophia, Countess Vanloden, that Schmidt took the last mentioned note of £20 upstairs, and soon after brought it down again, the word "twenty" being taken out; upon which they drew it through a plate of gummed water, and then smoothing it between several papers with a box iron, the words "one hundred" were written in its place.

From Project Gutenberg