andiron

American  

[and-ahy-ern] / ˈændˌaɪ ərn /

noun

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

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andiron British  

/ ˈændˌaɪən /

noun

1. another name for firedog

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Regionalisms

See dog iron, firedog.

Etymology

Origin of andiron

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

Example Sentences

On display in Manhattan's Robinson Galleries last week went a Wheelock retrospective show that started with the dachshund andiron, ended in 1940 with a crisp, stylized figure of Washington at Valley Forge.

From Time Magazine Archive

She falls, strikes her head against a fraternity andiron.

From Time Magazine Archive

Joey stared at the andiron with its tell-tale stain.

From The Prophetic Camera by McGreevey, John

Bessie, as she afterwards declared, was almost ready to faint at this announcement, but on turning to look she saw indeed, hanging by a chain to keep the gate closed, a dumpy, rusty, cast-iron andiron.

From The House that Jill Built after Jack's had proved a failure by Gardner, E. C. (Eugene Clarence)

Among other popular andiron designs of this period were the twisted flame, the urn topped, the queer iron and brass dogs with claw feet, the colonial baluster, and the steeple topped.

From Colonial Homes and Their Furnishings by Northend, Mary H.