Andiron
/ˈændˌaɪ.ən/noun
A metal support for holding logs in a fireplace.
Did you know?Andiron is a classic example of folk etymology: English speakers reshaped a borrowed word so thoroughly that its earlier form was almost erased.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
andirn
“A fireplace support for logs”
Old French
OF
andier
“A fireplace or fire-dog support”
Medieval Latin
ML
andena
“A support or stand (attested in later medieval sources)”
Germanic substrate
?
*and-*
“Uncertain earlier element; the word’s deeper origin is obscure”
Modern English
English
andiron
“A metal support used in a fireplace to hold fuel”