andiron
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Middle English anderne (aunderne, aundyre), from Old French andier (mod. landier), from Gaulish anderon 'calf' (compare Irish ainnir 'young woman', Welsh anner 'heifer, cow-calf', enderig 'bull-calf, ox', Breton annoar 'heifer, cow-calf'), because calves rather than dogs figured prominently on ancient Celtic firedogs. Altered in form under the unfluence of iron.
[edit] Noun
andiron (plural andirons)
- A utensil for supporting wood when burning in a fireplace, one being placed on each side; a firedog; as, a pair of andirons.
- For examples of the usage of this term see the citations page.
