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Glite Dictionary
dog-iron

dog-iron

9.9
A metal stand in a fireplace that holds logs while they burn
  • noun
  • /ˈdɔɡˌaɪərn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : perro de fuego
  • The dog-iron held the logs securely in the fireplace.

Examples

  • He placed the logs carefully on the dog-iron before lighting the fire.

  • We bought a pair of dog-irons for our new fireplace.

  • After years of use, the dog-iron had developed a rich patina from the flames.

  • The antique dog-irons in the old house were made of ornate cast iron.

  • He placed the logs carefully on the dog-iron before lighting the fire.

  • The antique dog-irons in the old house were made of ornate cast iron.

  • We bought a pair of dog-irons for our new fireplace.

Synonyms

dog
vsdog-iron
  • Archaic
8 9.9

A metal support that holds logs in a fireplace

has identical meaning but is a shorter, informal name
andiron
vsdog-iron
1 9.9

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

has identical meaning but is the common technical term
firedog
vsdog-iron
  • Archaic
9.6

A metal support that holds logs in a fireplace

has identical meaning but is an alternative traditional name

Surface Forms

dog-iron singular
dog-irons plural

Morphology

dog-iron = dog + iron (semi-transparent) = dog + iron

The components 'dog' and 'iron' are clear as words, but 'dog' here has a specialised technical sense ('metal support'), so the compound's specific meaning requires knowledge of that specialised usage.

Etymology

The word dog-iron comes from two simple parts: dog, used like a guard that 'holds' things, and iron, meaning 'metal'. Think of a small 'iron dog' that keeps the logs in place, which is why a dog-iron is a metal support for fireplace wood.