SHELFING
SHELF
Shelf, n.; pl. Shelves. Etym: [OE. shelfe, schelfe, AS. scylfe; akin
to G. schelfe, Icel. skjalf. In senses 2 & 3, perhaps a different
word (cf. Shelve, v. i.).]
1. (Arch.)
Definition: 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)
Definition: A stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer
of rock.
4. (Naut.)
Definition: 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition