andiron

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   one of a pair of metal supports used to hold burning logs above the hearth of a fireplace

   The logs rested on brass andirons so that air could circulate beneath them.

From Middle English aundire or aundiren, from Old French andier, of uncertain deeper origin. English speakers later reshaped the spelling under the influence of iron. The alternative name firedog reflects the often animal-like legs or decorated heads of the paired supports.

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