Anvil
King James Dictionary [1]
AN'VIL, n. The Latin word incus, incudis,is formed by a like analogy fromin and cudo, to hammer, or shape.
An iron block with a smooth face, on which smiths hammer and shape their work.
Figuratively, any thing on which blows are laid.
To be on the anvil, is to be in a state of discussion, formation or preparation as when a scheme or measure is forming, but not matured. This figure bears an analogy to that is discussion, a shaking or beating.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): (n.) An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which metals are hammered and shaped.
(2): (n.) Anything resembling an anvil in shape or use.
(3): (n.) the incus. See Incus.
(4): (v. t.) To form or shape on an anvil; to hammer out; as, anviled armor.
Easton's Bible Dictionary [3]
Isaiah 41:7
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible [4]
Anvil . See Arts and Crafts, 2.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [5]
an´vil ( פעם , pa‛am ): The word is used only once to mean anvil. The passage ( Isaiah 41:7 ) refers to the custom still very common of workmen encouraging each other at their work. See Crafts . Just how pretentious the anvil of the ancients was we do not know. Most work requiring striking or beating, from the finest wrought jewelry to the largest copper vessels, is now done on an anvil shaped like an inverted letter L which is driven into a block of wood, or into the ground, or into a crack between two of the stone slabs of the workman's floor. The only massive anvils seen in the country today are modern and of foreign make.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [6]
( פִּעִם , Pa'Am, so called from being Beaten, Isaiah 41:7; elsewhere a "step," "corner," "time," etc.; Ἄκμων , Sirach 38:28), the utensil employed apparently among the Hebrews, as with other nations, by blacksmiths for hammering upon. (See Metal); (See Smith); (See Iron).
