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.
Nearby words
andiamo, andie, andijan, andijon, andikithira, andiron, andizhan, ando hiroshige, andong, andoroba, andorra
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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for andiron
British Dictionary definitions for andiron
Word Origin for andiron
C14: from Old French andier, of unknown origin; influenced by iron
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for andiron
andiron
c.1300, from Old French andier, of unknown origin, perhaps from Gaulish *andero- "a young bull" (cf. Welsh anner "heifer"), which would make sense if they once had bull's heads cast onto them. Altered by influence of Middle English iren (see iron (n.)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper