Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The fitting or decoration of a mantel—that is, the horizontal hood, cornice, or shelf carried above a fireplace; hence, by extension, all the marble-work, metal-work, or wainscoting around a fireplace, or masking the breast of a chimney, including usually one shelf or more.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun Same as mantel.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A shelf that is affixed to the wall above a fireplace.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun shelf that projects from wall above fireplace

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

mantel + piece

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Examples

  • The tick-tock of the brown clock on the mantelpiece is loud and the tap that Tada has mended three times drip-drips in the scullery.

    Excerpt: The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan 2009

  • Pamuk drops in many loud references to Chekhov, and the gun that is on the mantelpiece from the beginning of the action is at last duly and lethally discharged.

    Mind the Gap 2004

  • Pamuk drops in many loud references to Chekhov, and the gun that is on the mantelpiece from the beginning of the action is at last duly and lethally discharged.

    Mind the Gap 2004

  • The mantelpiece is laden with the pretty yellow jonquil; and a copper kettle is just beginning to simmer on the pleasantly crackling fire, beside which sits the tall, dark, strong-featured owner of these varied tastes.

    Love and Life Behind the Purdah 1901

  • There was a very bonny-painted cloth alang the chimley -- what they call a mantelpiece border, I warrant. "

    A Window in Thrums 1898

  • And carved into the mantelpiece was the inscription: A true knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning, of danger.

    KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY VIOLET HABERDASHER 2010

  • And carved into the mantelpiece was the inscription: A true knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning, of danger.

    KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY VIOLET HABERDASHER 2010

  • On the mantelpiece are a few photographs—of Jack and his parents, it seems.

    The English American Alison Larkin 2008

  • On the mantelpiece are a few photographs—of Jack and his parents, it seems.

    The English American Alison Larkin 2008

  • On the mantelpiece are a few photographs—of Jack and his parents, it seems.

    The English American Alison Larkin 2008

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