Anvil

An·vil

Anvil

n.
  1. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which metals are hammered and shaped.
  2. Anything resembling an anvil in shape or use. (Anat.)

Phrases & Compounds
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

v. t.
  1. To form or shape on an anvil; to hammer out; as, anviled armor.