The name is also loosely applied to other ducks, as the canvasback, and
the shoveler.
Shel"duck` (?), n. [Sheld variegated + duck.] (Zoöl.) The sheldrake.
[Written also shellduck.]
Shelf (?), n.; pl. Shelves (#). [OE. shelfe, schelfe, AS. scylfe; akin
to G. schelfe, Icel. skjlf. 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.
Shelf"y (?), a. 1. Abounding in shelves; full of dangerous shallows. "A
shelfy coast." Dryden.