pair of tongs

pair of tongs
Tongs Tongs, n. pl. [OE. tonge, tange, AS. tange; akin to D. tang, G. zanga, OHG. zanga, Don. tang, Sw. t[*a]ng, Icel. t["o]ng, Gr. da`knein to bite, Skr. da[~n]i[,c], da[,c]. [root]59. Cf. {Tang} a strong taste, anything projecting.] An instrument, usually of metal, consisting of two parts, or long shafts, jointed together at or near one end, or united by an elastic bow, used for handling things, especially hot coals or metals; -- often called a {pair of tongs}. [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • pair of tongs — noun any of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks below • Syn: ↑tongs • Usage Domain: ↑plural, ↑plural form • Hypernyms: ↑device • Hypon …   Useful english dictionary

  • Tongs — are and lifting tools, of which there are many forms adapted to their specific use. Some are merely large pincers or nippers, but the greatest number fall into three classes: # Tongs which have long arms terminating in small flat circular ends of …   Wikipedia

  • Pair — (p[^a]r), n. [F. paire, LL. paria, L. paria, pl. of par pair, fr. par, adj., equal. Cf. {Apparel}, {Par} equality, {Peer} an equal.] [1913 Webster] 1. A number of things resembling one another, or belonging together; a set; as, a pair or flight… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pair royal — Pair Pair (p[^a]r), n. [F. paire, LL. paria, L. paria, pl. of par pair, fr. par, adj., equal. Cf. {Apparel}, {Par} equality, {Peer} an equal.] [1913 Webster] 1. A number of things resembling one another, or belonging together; a set; as, a pair… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Tongs — Tongs, n. pl. [OE. tonge, tange, AS. tange; akin to D. tang, G. zanga, OHG. zanga, Don. tang, Sw. t[*a]ng, Icel. t[ o]ng, Gr. da knein to bite, Skr. da[ n]i[,c], da[,c]. [root]59. Cf. {Tang} a strong taste, anything projecting.] An instrument,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • tongs — [tôŋz, täŋz] pl.n. [ME tongys, pl. of tonge < OE tange, akin to Ger zange < IE base * denk̑ , to bite: basic sense “those that bite together”] [sometimes with sing. v.] a device for seizing or lifting objects, having two long arms pivoted… …   English World dictionary

  • tongs — n. 1)coal; curling; ice; sugar tongs 2) a pair of tongs * * * [tɒŋz] curling ice sugar tongs a pair of tongs coal …   Combinatory dictionary

  • tongs — I (New American Roget s College Thesaurus) n. pl. pincers, nippers, pliers, forceps. See retention. II (Roget s IV) n. Syn. pinchers, pincers, pliers, forceps, pair of tongs, sugar tongs, fire tongs, ice tongs, blacksmith s tongs; see also tool 1 …   English dictionary for students

  • pair - couple — ◊ a pair of A pair of things are two things of the same size and shape that are used together, such as shoes. ...a pair of new gloves. He bought a pair of hiking boots. When you use a pair of like this, you can use either a singular or a plural… …   Useful english dictionary

  • tongs — n.pl. (also pair of tongs sing.) an instrument with two hinged or sprung arms for grasping and holding. Etymology: pl. of tong f. OE tang(e) f. Gmc …   Useful english dictionary

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