ˈtäŋz, ˈtȯŋz noun plural but sometimes singular in construction
Etymology: Middle English tanges, tonges, plural of tange, tonge, from Old English tang, tange; akin to Old High German zanga tongs, Old Norse töng, Greek daknein to bite, Sanskrit daśati he bites, daṁśa bite
: any of numerous devices or instruments for taking hold of objects (as hot coals, hot metal, rails, logs, pipes), for ease and convenience in handling, or for lifting, dragging, or carrying and consisting commonly of two legs that are joined at one end by a pivot or spring or of two pieces hinged that are like scissors or pincers — often used with pair
a pair of tongs