ˈmant ə l, -aan- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French mantel, manteau cloak, mantle, mantel — more at mantle
1.
a. : the beam, stone, or arch serving as a lintel to support the masonry above a fireplace
a high mantel has some advantage in producing a more effectual ventilation — Thomas Tredgold
b. : the finish around a fireplace covering the front and sometimes the two sides of the chimney
the skill of our craftsmen is reflected in … the wood mantels — Sweet's Catalogue Service
2. : the usually ornamental shelf above a fireplace
stepped to the mantel and rested his elbows on it — Eudora Welty