E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Loom
means a utensil. (Anglo-Saxon, loma). Thus “heir-loom” means a personaI chattel or household implement which goes by special custom to the heir. The word was in familiar use in Prior’s time (1664–1721), for he says “a thousand maidens ply the purple loom.”
