Anvil \An"vil\, n. [OE. anvelt, anfelt, anefelt, AS. anfilt,
onfilt; of uncertain origin; cf. OHG. anafalz, D. aanbeld.]
1. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which
metals are hammered and shaped.
2. Anything resembling an anvil in shape or use. Specifically
(Anat.), the incus. See Incus.
To be on the anvil, to be in a state of discussion,
formation, or preparation, as when a scheme or measure is
forming, but not matured. --Swift.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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