Shelf /(?)/

Shelf

n.

pl. Shelves

  1. A flat tablet or ledge of any material set horizontally at a distance from the floor, to hold objects of use or ornament. (Arch.)
  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.
    On the secret shelves with fury cast.
  3. A stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer of rock. (Mining)
  4. A piece of timber running the whole length of a vessel inside the timberheads. (Naut.)

Phrases & Compounds
To lay on the shelf
to lay aside as unnecessary or useless; to dismiss; to discard.