Why are andirons called andirons?
Why are andirons called andirons?
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).
How do you use andirons?
How To Use Andirons
- Place the andirons parallel to each other with the horizontal pieces facing in toward the fire and the vertical pieces at the front.
- Pile tinder and kindling on the floor of the fireplace between the andirons.
What is a Descry?
descry \dih-SKRYE\ verb. 1 : to catch sight of. 2 : find out, discover.
What are the parts of an andiron?
Andirons are constructed of metal to hold flaming firewood slightly above the firebox floor to improve fireplace draw and ventilation. They typically stand upon two front legs connected to a central iron shaft, called a “dog” or “billet bar” which has a bent end to form the back foot.
Why are fire dogs so called?
Sometimes called a “dog iron”, the firedog gets its name from the four-legged appearance of the andiron on its supports. A feature of the fireplace since Ancient Greek times, the firedog was often used to hold a spit.
Do you need andirons?
Why do you need a fireplace grate or andirons? With andirons and fireplace grates, you lift the fire off the ground. This keeps the fire in position and gives you a better draft. In addition, by improving the ventilation and combustion of the wood, you are heating a lot more efficiently.
Why are they called fire dogs?
The Fire Department of New York City can take some credit in making the breed famous as fire dogs. Due to their expertise as carriage dogs, it was logical that Dalmatians would serve well running with fire carriages. FDNY began utilizing Dals as early as the 1870s.
What’s the meaning of interpose?
Definition of interpose transitive verb. 1a : to place in an intervening position. b : to put (oneself) between : intrude. 2 : to put forth by way of interference or intervention. 3 : to introduce or throw in between the parts of a conversation or argument.
How much are andirons worth?
T.A. Answer: Depending on condition and rarity, andirons have sold in a wide price range, from a few hundred dollars a pair to well in excess of $1,000 a set, according to information provided by dealer catalogues and collectors.
Why are Dalmatians The Firehouse Dog?
Dalmatians and horses are very compatible, so the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the engines to help clear a path and guide the horses and the firefighters to the fires quickly. They are still chosen by many fire fighters as pets in honor of their heroism in the past.
Why do firefighters have mustaches?
Historically, firefighters had mustaches to help them breathe better in burning buildings before oxygen masks existed. Today, firefighters sport mustaches to harken back to and strengthen those roots as well as to support a sense of brotherhood among fire departments.
What is the meaning of Andiron in English?
Andiron, and′ī-urn, n. the iron bars which support the ends of the logs in a wood fire, or in which a spit turns. The dog stretched himself before one andiron; the cat squat down before the other. Chenet is the French expression, an andiron, or dog-iron, as it is sometimes called.
Where did the andirons originate?
Andirons, or fire dogs, had been in use by the Ancient Greeks, and were called krateutai ( Greek: κρατευταί). Excavations made on the Greek island of Santorini unearthed stone sets of firedogs used before the seventeenth century BC.
What are andirons made of?
Before the Renaissance, European andirons were almost invariably made entirely of iron and were of comparatively plain design.
What are andirons used for in the Middle Ages?
In older periods andirons were used as a rest for a roasting spit; and sometimes included a cup-shaped top to hold porridge. Sometimes, smaller pairs were placed between the main andirons for smaller fires. These are called “creepers”.
