pl. [OE. fýrtang, f. fýr, FIRE + tang, TONG.] Tongs used for handling ignited combustibles.
a. 1100. Gerefa, in Anglia (1886), IX. 263. Fyrtange, wæipundern: and fela towtola.
1463. Rolls Parl., V. 507/1. Eny of theese Wares or thinges underwritten: That is to sey, eny … Fyretonges.
1671. J. Webster, Metallogr., xvii. 250. There is by Art made divers sorts of this Orichalcum or Brass, some that (as I believe) will abide the hammer in some measure, of which is made fire-tongs, fire-shovels, snuffers, Mathematical instruments, and of many other sorts and kinds, that I cannot well reckon up.
1853. J. D. Dale, trans. Baldeschi’s Ceremonial, 199. Two thuribles, with the boats and fire-tongs.
