E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Poker.
A poker set leaning against the upper bars of a fire to draw it up. This is to make a cross to keep off Lob, the house spirit, who loves to lie before the fire, and, like Puck and Robin Goodfellow, dearly loves mischief and practical jokes.
