andiron

A pair of andirons in front of a fireplace

Meaning

A utensil for supporting wood when burning in a fireplace, one being placed on each side

From Middle English aundire, aundiren, from Old French andier—possibly from Gaulish anderon ("heifer")—compare Welsh anner, annair, Breton annoar ("heifer")—from Proto-Celtic *anderā ("young woman"), due either to their somewhat animal-like appearance of four legs or to the prominent figuring of bull and heifer design elements; compare its alternative names of fire-dog and dog-iron. Spelling influenced by iron.

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