The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Tongs \Tongs\, n. pl. [OE. tonge, tange, AS. tange; akin to D.
   tang, G. zanga, OHG. zanga, Don. tang, Sw. t[*a]ng, Icel.
   t["o]ng, Gr. da`knein to bite, Skr. da[~n]i[,c], da[,c].
   [root]59. Cf. Tang a strong taste, anything projecting.]
   An instrument, usually of metal, consisting of two parts, or
   long shafts, jointed together at or near one end, or united
   by an elastic bow, used for handling things, especially hot
   coals or metals; -- often called a pair of tongs.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

tongs
    n 1: any of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually
         have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks
         below [syn: tongs, pair of tongs]