from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ledge \Ledge\ (l[e^]j), n. [Akin to AS. licgan to lie, Icel.
liggja; cf. Icel. l["o]gg the ledge or rim at the bottom of a
cask. See {Lie} to be prostrate.] [Formerly written {lidge}.]
1. A shelf on which articles may be laid; also, that which
resembles such a shelf in form or use, as a projecting
ridge or part, or a molding or edge in joinery.
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2. A shelf, ridge, or reef, of rocks.
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3. A layer or stratum.
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The lowest ledge or row should be of stone. --Sir H.
Wotton.
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4. (Mining) A lode; a limited mass of rock bearing valuable
mineral.
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5. (Shipbuilding) A piece of timber to support the deck,
placed athwartship between beams.
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