overmantel

[ oh-ver-man-tl ]

adjective

1. situated above a mantelpiece.

noun

1. an ornament or panel situated above a mantelpiece.

overmantel

/ ˈəʊvəˌmæntəl /

noun

1. an ornamental shelf over a mantelpiece, often with a mirror

Word History and Origins

Origin of overmantel¹

First recorded in 1880–85; over- + mantel

Example Sentences

The Commander is standing in front of the fireless fireplace, back to it, one elbow on the carved wooden overmantel, other hand in his pocket.

From Literature

The 16th Century linen-fold panelling, the fireplace overmantel and the carved and moulded ceiling beams were dismantled, crated up and sent to America.

From BBC

It frequently occurs that, in consequence of extensive subdivision of labour and excessive competition, a man or boy is set to do one thing—e.g., music-stools, overmantels, chair-legs, sideboards—all the time.

From Project Gutenberg

They were discussing a photograph on the overmantel, a photograph of children.

From Project Gutenberg

The fire-place was crowned by an overmantel of six decorative panels, all that was left of James' method of applying gold lacquer to poker-work.

From Project Gutenberg