andiron

[ and-ahy-ern ]
/ ˈændˌaɪ ərn /

noun

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

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

regional variation note for andiron

Example sentences from the Web for andiron

British Dictionary definitions for andiron

andiron
/ (ˈændˌaɪən) /

noun

another name for firedog

Word Origin for andiron

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