climbing iron

noun

1. one of a pair of spiked iron frames, strapped to the shoe, leg, or knee, to help in climbing trees, telephone poles, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of climbing iron¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Kids learned Tuesday about what tradespeople do on job sites by using real tools, moving around sand in a crane simulation and climbing iron like Ironworkers.

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A chimney will be shown to you, prepared and swept in advance; you will find in it good climbing irons for your feet, and for your seat a little wooden board firmly stayed.

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The guide, equipped with alpenstock and climbing irons, led the way, Richard followed him, and the hussars came trailing behind, with old Paul as rear guard.

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Her gaze was fixed upon a stout man just ahead who wore climbing irons on his heavy shoes.

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He was up a telephone pole, trying to do some work, resting in his safety belt and with his climbing irons safely fixed in the wood.

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