n. [ The same word as mantle a garment; cf. F. manteau de cheminée. See Mantle. ] (Arch.) The finish around a fireplace, covering the chimney-breast in front and sometimes on both sides; especially, a shelf above the fireplace, and its supports. The shelf is called also a mantelpiece or mantlepiece. [ Written also mantle. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., dim. of manteau, OF. mantel. See Mantle. ] 1. (a) A short cloak formerly worn by knights. (b) A short cloak or mantle worn by women. [ 1913 Webster ]

A mantelet upon his shoulders hanging. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Fort.) A musket-proof shield of rope, wood, or metal, which is sometimes used for the protection of sappers or riflemen while attacking a fortress, or of gunners at embrasures; -- now commonly written mantlet. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ It. mantelletta. See Mantelet. ] (R. C. Ch.) A silk or woolen vestment without sleeves worn by cardinals, bishops, abbots, and the prelates of the Roman court. It has a low collar, is fastened in front, and reaches almost to the knees. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. Same as Mantel. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The shelf of a mantel. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Arch.) The lintel of a fireplace when of wood, as frequently in early houses. [ 1913 Webster ]