Shelf (?), n.; pl.
Shelves (#). [OE. shelfe, schelfe, AS.
scylfe; akin to G. schelfe, Icel. skjālf.
In senses 2 & 3, perhaps a different word (cf. Shelve,
v. i.).] 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. D.
Kemp.
To lay on the shelf, to lay aside as
unnecessary or useless; to dismiss; to discard.
Shelf (?), n.; pl.
Shelves (#). [OE. shelfe, schelfe, AS.
scylfe; akin to G. schelfe, Icel. skjālf.
In senses 2 & 3, perhaps a different word (cf. Shelve,
v. i.).] 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. D.
Kemp.
To lay on the shelf, to lay aside as
unnecessary or useless; to dismiss; to discard.
