Definition of shelf

• v. i. - A flat tablet or ledge of any material set horizontally at a distance from the floor, to hold objects of use or ornament.
• v. i. - A sand bank in the sea, or a rock, or ledge of rocks, rendering the water shallow, and dangerous to ships.
• v. i. - A stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer of rock.
• v. i. - A piece of timber running the whole length of a vessel inside the timberheads.