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.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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