chimney piece

Chiefly British. mantlepiece.

Obsolete. a decoration over a fireplace.

Origin of chimney piece

First recorded in 1605–15

He heard a clock ticking, tracked it to the chimneypiece, and carried it to the window.

Rayton: A Backwoods Mystery |Theodore Goodridge Roberts
Over the chimneypiece presided the portrait of Mr. Jorrocks persuading his horse to cross a stream.

The Country House |John Galsworthy
Racing cups adorned the chimneypiece and sideboard, portraits of race-horses and jockeys adorned the walls.

The History of Sir Richard Calmady |Lucas Malet
The stranger, who was leaning against the chimneypiece with drooping head, looked round and answered, 'No.

Our Mutual Friend |Charles Dickens

He turned and laid his arms on the chimneypiece, burying his head on them.

Robert Elsmere |Mrs. Humphry Ward

chimneypiece

/ (ˈtʃɪmnɪˌpiːs) /

another name (esp Brit) for mantelpiece (def. 1)