"shelf" Definition

Definitions for the word "shelf" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
(pl. Shelves) 1 wooden etc. Board projecting from a wall, or as part of a unit, used to store things. 2 a projecting horizontal ledge in a cliff face etc. B reef or sandbank. on the shelf 1 (of a woman) regarded as too old to hope for marriage. 2 (esp. Of a retired person) put aside as if no longer useful. [low german]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
2. slang
“on the SHELF,” not yet disposed of; young ladies are said to be so situated when they cannot meet with husbands. “On the SHELF” also means pawned, or laid by in trust.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "shelf" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "shelf" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

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