noun
silkworm growing-bed; silkworm shelf
A rack or shelf used in sericulture for rearing silkworms. A specialized term likely encountered in historical or agricultural contexts.
養蚕農家では、蚕棚に桑の葉を並べて蚕を育てていた。
At silkworm farms, they used to raise silkworms by placing mulberry leaves on silkworm shelves.
noun
bunk; cramped bedroom
Slang or humorous extension comparing a cramped sleeping space, such as a bunk bed or tiny room, to a silkworm shelf. Informal and somewhat dated.
寮の部屋はまるで蚕棚みたいに狭かった。
The dorm room was as cramped as a silkworm shelf.