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.