2. Any one of the American mergansers.
Note: The name is also loosely applied to other ducks, as the canvasback, and the shoveler.
SHELDUCK
Shel"duck`, n. Etym: [Sheld variegated + duck.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: The sheldrake. [Written also shellduck.]
SHELF Shelf, n.; pl. Shelves. Etym: [OE. shelfe, schelfe, AS. scylfe; akin to G. schelfe, Icel. skjalf. In senses 2 & 3, perhaps a different word (cf. Shelve, v. i.).]
1. (Arch.)
Defn: A flat tablet or ledge of any material set horizontally at a distance from the floor, to hold objects of use or ornament.
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. Milton. On the secret shelves with fury cast. Dryden.
3. (Mining)
Defn: A stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer of rock.