/man"tl/ , n.
1. a construction framing the opening of a fireplace and usually covering part of the chimney breast in a more or less decorative manner.
2. Also called mantelshelf . a shelf above a fireplace opening.
Also, mantle . Also called mantelpiece /man"tl pees'/ ,. mantlepiece .
[ 1480-90; earlier mantell mantelet; var. of MANTLE ]