Irons
/ˈaɪ.ərnz/noun
Plural of iron; metal tools or restraints made of iron.
Did you know?In English legal and prison slang, “the irons” became a grim name for handcuffs and shackles because iron was the classic metal of restraint and punishment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂éyos
“metal, especially bronze or copper alloy”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*īsarną
“iron”
Old English
OE
īsern, īren
“iron”
Middle English
ME
iren, yren
“iron”
Modern English
English
irons
“plural form of iron; also handcuffs or shackles”