dog iron

noun

1

South & Midland : andiron

2

: a short bar of iron having its ends bent at right angles for use as a cramp or joggle (as to hold together timbers or stones)

3

: a short bar of iron with an eye at one end for driving or fitting into a timber or stone to hold it or lift it

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!