Shelf (?), n.; pl. Shelves (#). [OE. shelfe, schelfe, AS. scylfe; akin to G. schelfe, Icel. skjÄlf. 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.
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2. A sand bank in the sea, or a rock, or ledge of rocks, rendering the water shallow, and dangerous to ships.
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On the tawny sands and shelves. Milton.
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On the secret shelves with fury cast. Dryden.
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3. (Mining) A stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer of rock.
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4. (Naut.) A piece of timber running the whole length of a vessel inside the timberheads. D. Kemp.
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To lay on the shelf, to lay aside as unnecessary or useless; to dismiss; to discard.
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