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.
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