Note: The salamanders have, like lizards, an elongated body,
four feet, and a long tail, but are destitute of
scales. They are true Amphibia, related to the frogs.
Formerly, it was a superstition that the salamander
could live in fire without harm, and even extinguish it
by the natural coldness of its body.
I have maintained that salamander of yours with
fire any time this two and thirty years. --Shak.
Whereas it is commonly said that a salamander
extinguisheth fire, we have found by experience
that on hot coals, it dieth immediately. --Sir T.
Browne.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The pouched gopher ({Geomys tuza}) of the
Southern United States.
3. A culinary utensil of metal with a plate or disk which is
heated, and held over pastry, etc., to brown it.
4. A large poker. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
5. (Metal.) Solidified material in a furnace hearth.
{Giant salamander}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Giant}.
{Salamander's} {hair or wool} (Min.), a species of asbestus
or mineral flax. [Obs.] --Bacon.