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/and"uy'euhrn/, n.one of a pair of metal stands, usually of iron or brass, for holding logs in a fireplace.[1250-1300; ME aundyr(n)e, AF aundyre, with the 2d syll. taken as ME ire, iren IRON < OF andier, allegedly < Gaulish *anderos young animal (through known use of animals' heads as decorations on andirons), though supposed relation between this word and Middle Welsh anneir, Breton annoer heifer, OIr ainder young woman, poses serious phonetic problems]
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▪ fireplace furnishingone of a pair of horizontal iron bars upon which wood is supported in an open fireplace. The oldest of fireplace furnishings, andirons were used widely from the Late Iron Age. The andiron stands on short legs and usually has a vertical guard bar at the front to prevent logs from rolling off, thus giving it a somewhat doglike appearance (hence the alternative name, firedog). It was ordinarily fitted with a guard at each end when intended for use in a central open hearth, which went out of general use in the late 14th century. The guard was often cast in the form of a statue or with elaborate decoration. Plain andirons, called cobirons, with ratcheted guards holding brackets for spits, were used in the kitchen.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
