Definition of "chimney-piece" [chim•ney-piece]

• A decorative construction around the opening of a fireplace; also, the shelf that projects from wall above fireplace; mantlepiece. (noun)

Gnu Collaboartive International Dictionary of English: licensed under The Code Project Open License (CPOL)

• "As the weather permitted, Mrs. Alice sat duly remote from the company in a FAUTEUIL behind the projecting chimney-piece, or in the embrasure of a window, and prosecuted in Carthusian silence, with indefatigable zeal, a piece of embroidery, which seemed no bad emblem of eternity."
• "The jars on the chimney-piece were filled with lauristina, and bunches of mountain-ash."
• "Mr Meadows, who was now intently surveying a painting that was over the chimney-piece, seemed of to hear this question, but presently called out"