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Ledge

1. A shelf on which articles may be laid; also, that which resembles such a shelf in form or use, as a projecting ridge or part, or a molding or edge in joinery.

2. A shelf, ridge, or reef, of rocks.

3. A layer or stratum. The lowest ledge or row should be of stone. (Sir H. Wotton)

4. (Science: chemical) a lode; a limited mass of rock bearing valuable mineral.

5. A piece of timber to support the deck, placed athwartship between beams.

Origin: akin to as. Licgan to lie, Icel. Liggja; cf. Icel. Logg the ledge or rim at the bottom of a cask. See lie to be prostrate] [Formerly written lidge.