Handiron

/ˈhænˌaɪərn/ noun

Definition

An ornamental metal frame or stand, usually with curving legs, used to hold burning logs in a fireplace; also called an andiron.

Etymology

From 'hand' plus 'iron,' though this may be a folk etymology; the word likely evolved from Old French 'andier' or similar sources, and 'hand-' was added later, possibly because you could adjust it by hand.

Kelly Says

The original word 'andiron' probably came from French, but English speakers added 'hand-' because they liked the explanation that you used your hand to adjust it—this is called 'folk etymology,' where people reinvent a word's origin based on what makes sense.

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