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firedog

firedog

9.6
A metal support that holds logs in a fireplace
  • noun
  • /ˈfaɪərˌdɔg/
  • Archaic
translation icon : perro de fuego
  • The antique shop had a beautiful pair of firedogs on display, perfect for holding logs in a fireplace.

Examples

  • This is an example or representation of a firedog.

  • The firedog would have been a high status, really classy piece of art.

  • Many of us firedogs have given to ActBlue, so we have proved that there is a funding source.

    Blog text (4)
  • When the Firedog media empire rises to the top, we will no longer have to listen to crap like this being spouted about in order to "balance" stories.

    Blog text (30)
  • They do not deserve to be firedogs, and I ask again that we suspend them from that status.

    Blog text (4)
  • He carefully polished the firedog before placing it by the roaring fire, enhancing the room's warm atmosphere.

  • During the renovation, they found an old firedog buried under the floorboards, a rare piece from the 18th century.

Synonyms

dog
vsfiredog
  • Archaic
8 9.9

A metal support that holds logs in a fireplace

is the same object but is used as an alternative name
andiron
vsfiredog
1 9.9

A metal support, one of a pair, that holds logs in a fireplace

is the same object but appears as another common name
dog-iron
vsfiredog
  • Archaic
9.9

A metal stand in a fireplace that holds logs while they burn

is the same object but appears under a variant name

Surface Forms

firedog singular
firedogs plural

Morphology

firedog = fire + dog (opaque) = fire + dog

Although formed from 'fire' + 'dog', the meaning 'andiron' is not predictable from the ordinary senses of 'fire' and 'dog'; 'dog' here is a specialized name for a metal support.

Etymology

Firedog joins fire and dog, because people long ago thought the metal support looked like a small dog 'guarding' the flames and 'holding' the wood. So a firedog is the metal support you put logs on in a fireplace.