mantel
n 1: shelf that projects from wall above fireplace; "in Britain
they call a mantel a chimneypiece" [syn: {mantel},
{mantelpiece}, {mantle}, {mantlepiece}, {chimneypiece}]
Mantel \Man"tel\, n. [The same word as mantle a garment; cf. F.
manteau de chemin['e]e. See {Mantle}.] (Arch.)
The finish around a fireplace, covering the chimney-breast in
front and sometimes on both sides; especially, a shelf above
the fireplace, and its supports. The shelf is called also a
{mantelpiece} or {mantlepiece}. [Written also {mantle}.]
[1913 Webster]