fireback

American  

[fahyuhr-bak] / ˈfaɪərˌbæk /

noun

1. a piece, lining the rear of a fireplace, usually of cast iron.

2. the rear of a fireplace.

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fireback British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌbæk /

noun

1. Also called: reredos.  an ornamental iron slab against the back wall of a hearth

2. any pheasant of the genus Lophura , of SE Asia

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Etymology

Origin of fireback

First recorded in 1870–75; fire + back ¹

Example Sentences

When illuminated by a flashlight, one can see that the fireback bears the head of a lion.

From Washington Times • Jul. 15, 2014

The fireback in the foyer is a cast of Elihu Vedder’s “The Sun God,” but the most impressive belongs to the library.

From Washington Times • Jul. 15, 2014

For a stylish backsplash, interior designer Mary Margarett Nevin installed a fireback into the wall behind the cooktop.

From Southern Living • Mar. 4, 2010

Commander Donald Mayer, 35, barked a fireback order.

From Time Magazine Archive

The iron fireback bears the inscription "J. L. 1728."

From The Colonial Architecture of Philadelphia by Cousins, Frank