ˈmantel-tree
[f. mantel n. + tree.]
1. A beam across the opening of a fireplace, serving as a lintel to support the masonry above (Parker, 1850). In later use, a stone or arch serving the same purpose.
| 1482 Nottingham Rec. II. 332 Pro uno mantiltr', ad valentiam ijs. 1486 Ibid. III. 256 For enbowyng of a mantell' tree. 1583 Fulke Defence iii. 122 He might shewe vs the mantilltree of a chimney, and a brasse pot hanging ouer the fire. 1606 Wily Beguiled K 2, Old Grandsir Thickskin, you that sit there as melancholy as a mantletree. 1649 R. Hodges Plain. Direct. 14 Hee hang'd his mantle upon the mantil tree of the chimney. 1703 Moxon Mech. Exerc. 273 Semi-Oval Arches..are sometimes made..over Kitchin-Chimnies, instead of Mantle-trees. 1789 P. Smyth tr. Aldrich's Archit. (1818) 121 The apertures are limited by two jambs, and the mantle-tree. 1811 Self Instructor 139 The chimney..upright over the mantle tree. |
2. = mantelpiece 1, 2.
| 1634 Brereton Trav. (Chetham Soc.) 7 All the walls most richly gilded,..rich marble mantle-tree. 1641 Hinde J. Bruen 116, I comming once into his chamber and finding over the Mantletree a paire of new Cards. 1781 Cowper Charity 460 No charity but alms aught values she, Except in porcelain on her mantel-tree. 1902 E. Phillpotts River 13 For lack of mantel-tree Nicholas had nailed up a shelf to hold certain heirlooms. |