shelf

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shelf1 horizontal slab of wood, etc. to hold objects XIV; ledge or terrace of land XIX (shelfy adj. XVIII). — (M)LG. schelf shelf, set of shelves; rel. to OE. sċylfe partition, compartment, sċylf partition, compartment, sċylf rugged rock, crag, pinnacle.
Hence shelves vb. †project like a shelf; provide with shelves. XVI.

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