Category:Shelf

Shelf, n.; pl. Shelves. Etym: [oe. shelfe, schelfe, as. scylfe; akin To g. schelfe, icel. skjalf. In senses 2 & 3, perhaps a different Word (cf. Shelve, v. i.).]

1. (arch.)

Defn: a flat tablet or ledge of any material set horizontally at a Distance from the floor, to hold objects of use or ornament.

2. A sand bank in the sea, or a rock, or ledge of rocks, rendering The water shallow, and dangerous to ships. On the tawny sands and shelves. Milton. On the secret shelves with fury cast. Dryden.

3. (mining)

Defn: a stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer Of rock.

4. (naut.)

Defn: a piece of timber running the whole length of a vessel inside The timberheads. D. Kemp. To lay on the shelf, to lay aside as Unnecessary or useless; to dismiss; to discard.