Andiron

Origin

Middle English anderne (aunderne, aundyre), from Old French andier (mod. landier), from Gaulish anderon 'calf' (compare Irish ainnir 'young woman', Welsh anner 'heifer, cow-calf', enderig 'bull-calf, ox', Breton annoar 'heifer, cow-calf'), because calves rather than dogs figured prominently on ancient Celtic firedogs. Altered in form under the unfluence of iron.

Full definition of andiron

Noun

1. A utensil for supporting wood when burning in a fireplace, one being placed on each side; a firedog; as, a pair of andirons.