ˈshelē, -li adjective
( -er/-est )
1.
a. : abounding in or covered with shells, especially seashells
a shelly shore
shelly ground
b. : consisting of shells or of a shell
the hermit crab in his shelly cave
2.
a. : of, relating to, or of the nature of a shell : chitinous , siliceous , testaceous
b. : of, relating to, or constituting fractured coal that breaks up easily into small pieces
3. : having a shell
4. : like a shell especially in being hollow, frail, or easily breakable: as
a. of a dog : having a narrow weedy body
b. of market livestock : thin, gaunt, and ill-nourished (as from age)
c. of a hoof : thin and brittle and with the horny matter ridged