Anvil

n. [O. Eng. anvelt, anvild, andvile, A-S. anfilt, ænfilt, onfilt, O. H. Ger. anafalz, D. aambeeld.]

1Sense 1. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which metals are hammered and shaped.

2Sense 2. (Fig.) Any thing on which blows are laid.

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.

Anvil.