mantel

[man-tl] /ˈmæn tl/

noun

a construction framing the opening of a fireplace and usually covering part of the chimney breast in a more or less decorative manner.

Also called mantelshelf. a shelf above a fireplace opening.

Also, mantle.

Also called mantelpiece

[man-tl-pees] /ˈmæn tlˌpis/ (Show IPA), mantlepiece.

Origin

1480-90; earlier mantell mantelet; variant of mantle

Can be confused

mantel, mantle.

Examples from the web for mantel

Moment later, and everything was under the fog's mantel.
The mantel is a natural spot for owls of all sizes to perch among manzanita branches.
The living room has built-in shelves and a fireplaces with a marble mantel.
Each designer's mantel is already heavy with awards, and the work all five are nominated for is invariably fantastic.

British Dictionary definitions for mantel

mantel

/ˈmæntəl/

noun

a wooden or stone frame around the opening of a fireplace, together with its decorative facing

Also called mantel shelf. a shelf above this frame

Word Origin

C15: from French, variant of mantle

Word Origin and History for mantel

c.1200, "short, loose, sleeveless cloak," variant of mantle (q.v.). Sense of "movable shelter for soldiers besieging a fort" is from 1520s. Meaning "timber or stone supporting masonry above a fireplace" first recorded 1510s, a shortened form of Middle English mantiltre "mantletree" (late 15c.).

Encyclopedia Article for mantel

hood or other similar projection, usually ornamented, that surrounds the opening of a fireplace and directs smoke up to the chimney flue. See chimneypiece.

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