mantel

also
n.

1. An ornamental facing around a fireplace. Also called mantelpiece.
2. The protruding shelf over a fireplace. Also called mantelpiece, mantelshelf, Also called fireboard.

[Middle English mantel, as in mantiltre, beam over fireplace opening (perhaps from its use for drying wet clothing). See manteltree.]

1. A beam or arch that supports the masonry above a fireplace; also called a mantel-tree.
2. All the construction or facing around a fireplace.
3. A mantelshelf.

mantel, 2

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IN BRIEF: n. - Shelf that projects from a wall above the fireplace.

Tutor's tip: Though he took care in hanging his "mantel" (sleeveless outer garment) on the mantle (shelf above a fireplace) it caught fire anyway.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
  Synonyms: mantelpiece, mantle, mantlepiece, chimneypiece

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mantel clocks