Shelf n.; pl. Shelves
1. Arch. 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 A stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer of rock.
4. Naut. A piece of timber running the whole length of a vessel inside the timberheads.
To lay on the shelf, to lay aside as unnecessary or useless; to dismiss; to discard.
◄ ►