To lay on the shelf
(gcide) | Shelf \Shelf\, n.; pl. Shelves. [OE. shelfe, schelfe, AS.
scylfe; akin to G. schelfe, Icel. skj[=a]lf. 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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