ingle
Definition
Noun:
- A fire burning in a hearth: "ingle" refers to a blaze or fire, especially one contained within a fireplace or hearth.
- A fireplace or hearth: "ingle" can also denote the hearth itself — the structure where a fire is built for warmth.
Usage Examples
- (The family sat near the fire in the hearth.)
- (He added fuel to the fire in the fireplace.)
- (The cottage had a stone hearth with a shelf above it.)
Advanced Usage
- "ingle-nook": a cozy corner or alcove near a fireplace, often with seating.
- She sat in the ingle-nook, reading a book by the firelight. (She sat in the warm corner beside the hearth.)
- "ingle-side": the area directly in front of or beside the hearth.
- The dog curled up at the ingle-side. (The dog lay down near the fire.)
Variants and Related Words
- Inglenook (n): a partially enclosed space or recess beside a large fireplace, often with seats.
- The inn's inglenook was a popular spot for travelers to warm themselves. (The recessed area by the hearth was a cozy gathering place.)
- Ingle-cheek (n, archaic): the side or jamb of a fireplace.
- He leaned against the ingle-cheek, watching the flames. (He rested against the side of the fireplace.)
Synonyms
- Hearth: the floor of a fireplace, often extended to mean the fireplace itself.
- Fireplace: a structure for containing a fire in a home.
- Fire: the burning fuel and flames in a hearth.
Related Idioms
- To keep the ingle burning: to maintain a fire in the hearth, symbolizing hospitality or warmth.
- The host made sure to keep the ingle burning all night. (The host kept the fire going to welcome guests.)
- By the ingle: near the fire, often implying comfort or storytelling.
- Tales were told by the ingle in the old days. (Stories were shared while sitting by the fireplace.)