warming pan

a long-handled, covered pan, usually of brass, filled with live coals or hot water for warming a cold bed.

Origin of warming pan

First recorded in 1565–75

North is sent here for a month, as a warming-pan for that ass Meekin.

For the Term of His Natural Life |Marcus Clarke
I refuse to act the part of warming-pan any longer; I refuse point blank.

The Adventures of Harry Richmond, Complete |George Meredith
He also sent her a round piece of silver, which he pretended he had made of a portion of brass cut out of a warming-pan.

Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions |Charles Mackay
It was a large watch of the double-cased “warming-pan” tribe.

The Walrus Hunters |R.M. Ballantyne

Be coo'—Don't hector me, ma'am, but fetch that warming-pan at once.

The Astonishing History of Troy Town |Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch

warming pan

a pan, often of copper and having a long handle, filled with hot coals or hot water and formerly drawn over the sheets to warm a bed