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

She falls, strikes her head against a fraternity andiron.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

Carl knocked his pipe empty on the knob of an andiron, sank deeper into his chair, and began to speak slowly.

From The Plastic Age by Marks, Percy

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.

Ashes, as fresh as if the fire had just been extinguished, were found in the chimney-place, with pieces of an andiron, iron pot, and other articles.

From Nooks and Corners of the New England Coast by Drake, Samuel Adams