Shelf — Defs

01 n. A flat tablet or ledge of any material set horizontally at a distance from the floor, to hold objects of use or ornament.

pl. Shelves ((#))

1.
A flat tablet or ledge of any material set horizontally at a distance from the floor, to hold objects of use or ornament.(Arch.)
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.
A stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer of rock.(Mining)
4.
A piece of timber running the whole length of a vessel inside the timberheads.(Naut.)

Phrases & compounds

To lay on the shelf — to lay aside as unnecessary or useless; to dismiss; to discard.