Lexic.us

Definition of Anvil

1. Noun. A heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering.

Definition of Anvil

1. n. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which metals are hammered and shaped.

2. v. t. To form or shape on an anvil; to hammer out; as, anviled armor.

Definition of Anvil

1. Noun. A heavy iron block used in the blacksmithing trade as a surface upon which metal can be struck and shaped. ¹

2. Noun. (skeleton) An incus bone in the inner ear. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Anvil

1. to shape on an anvil (a heavy iron block) [v -VILED, -VILING, -VILS or -VILLED, -VILLING, -VILS]

Medical Definition of Anvil

1. 1. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which metals are hammered and shaped. 2. Anything resembling an anvil in shape or use. Specifically, the incus. See Incus. To be on the anvil, to be in a state of discussion, formation, or preparation, as when a scheme or measure is forming, but not matured. Origin: OE. Anvelt, anfelt, anefelt, AS. Anfilt, onfilt; of uncertain origin; cf. OHG. Anafalz, D. Aanbeld. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Anvil

Literary usage of Anvil

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. United States Supreme Court Reports by Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Company, United States Supreme Court (1887)
"In claim 1, the staple support or anvil is described as being "stationary," and the ... In claim 2, the anvil must be regarded as a "stationary" anvil, ..."

2. Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages: Classified Subjectively and by Robert Christy (1887)
"A good anvil does not fear the hammer. Ital. 2. If the hammer strikes hard the anvil lasts the longer. 3. If thou art an anvil then suffer: if a hammer, ..."

3. Knight's American Mechanical Dictionary: A Description of Tools, Instruments by Edward Henry Knight (1876)
"The anvil of the- Greeks and Romans (incus) was usually of bronze, and was shaped like ... 271 the- anvil is supported by a stout spring, whose- recoil is ..."

4. Cyclopedia of American Literature: Embracing Personal and Critical Notices by Evert Augustus Duyckinck, George Long Duyckinck (1856)
"WHY I LEFT THE anvil. I see it, you would oak me what I have to soy for myself ... I was transposed from the anvil to the editor's chair by the genius of ..."

Other Resources: