cramp iron

American  

noun

1. a piece of iron with bent ends for holding together building stones or the like.

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Etymology

Origin of cramp iron

First recorded in 1555–65

Example Sentences

These catches consist of two cast iron sides bolted together, and of a bottom and ends formed of flat iron—the end pieces being bent so as to form cramp irons.

From Project Gutenberg

As for the fish, what a thing it is to see them in the bottom of the watter, & take it biting the hooke or lancing it with lance or cramp iron.

From Project Gutenberg