Obs. [App. of Norse origin, though not recorded by Vigfússon; Sw. askefis (Grimm), (cf. Ger. aschenfister, Du. aschevijster) f. aske ashes + ON. and Sw. físa, Da. fise, to blow, to pass wind; cf. ON. físi-belgr small bellows.] One who blows the ashes or fire; a term of reproach among northern nations for an unwarlike fellow who stayed at home in the chimney-corner.
c. 1400. Promp. Parv., 15. Askysye, Askefise, askefyse, ciniflo.
a. 1500. Medulla Gram., Ciniflo, an askfist, or iren heter. [Other MSS. A fyre blowere, an yryn hetere, an askefyce … An aske fyse or irne eter.]
1500. Ortus Voc. (W. de W.), Cinifio, qui fiat in cinere, aske fyste, a fyre blawer or a yrne hotter.
