mantel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
    mantelpiece; chimneypiece; mantlepiece; mantle.
    • in Britain they call a mantel a chimneypiece

WordNet

Man"tel noun
Etymology
The same word as mantle a garment; cf. F. manteau de cheminée. See Mantle.
Definitions
  1. (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. Written also mantle.

Webster 1913