plate rail

noun

1. a rail or narrow shelf fixed along a wall to hold plates, especially for ornament or display.

plate rail

noun

1. railways an early flat rail with an extended flange on its outer edge to retain wheels on the track Sometimes shortened toplate

Word History and Origins

Origin of plate rail¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The black cats, their eyes touched with phosphorus, glared down from the plate rail.

From Project Gutenberg

Comparing them side by side on a plate rail, or hanging on the wall, old Delft is told by its soft, beautiful blue.

From Project Gutenberg