dial. Forms: 6 astire, 9 ester, 7– easter. See also ASTRE. [a. OF. aistre, astre (mod.F. âtre) hearth.] (See quot.)

1

1541.  Schole-house of Women, in Hazlitt, E. P. P., IV. 129. Bad her take the pot … set it abooue upon the astire.

2

1674.  Ray, N. C. Wds., Easter: The back of the chimney, or chimney-stock.

3

1848.  A. B. Evans, Leicestershire Wds., Ester, back of the fire-place. ‘My hay … is as black as the Ester.’

4