Than Sheva, none more loyal zeal have shown,
Wakeful as Judah’s lion for the crown.
Tate, Absalom and Achitophel, ii. (1682).
Shib´boleth, the test pass-word of a secret society. When the Ephraimites tried to pass the Jordan, after their defeat by Jephthah, the guard tested whether they were Ephraimites or not, by asking them to say the word “Shibboleth,” which the Ephraimites pronounced “Sibboleth” (Judges xii. 1-6).
In the Sicilian Vespers, a word was given as a test of nationality. Some dried peas (ciceri) were shown to a suspect: if he called them cheecharee, he was a Sicilian, and allowed to pass; but if siseri, he was a Frenchman, and was put to death.
In the great Danish slaughter on St. Bryce’s Day (November 13, 1002), according to tradition, a similar test was made with the words “Chichester Church,” which, being pronounced hard or soft, decided whether the speaker were Dane or Saxon.
Shield of Rome (The), Fabius “Cunctātor.” Marcellus was called “The Sword of Rome.” (See Fabius.)
Shift (Samuel), a wonderful mimic, who, like Charles Mathews, the elder, could turn his face to anything. He is employed by Sir William Wealthy, to assist in saving his son, George, from ruin, and accordingly helps the young man in his money difficulties by becoming his agent. Ultimately, it is found that Sir George’s father is his creditor, the young man is saved from ruin, marries, and becomes a reformed and honorable member of society, who has “sown his wild oats.”—Foote, The Minor (1760).
Shilling (To cut one off with a). A tale is told of Charles and John Banister. John, having irritated his father, the old man said, “Jack, I’ll cut you off with a shilling.” To which the son replied, “I wish, dad, you would give it to me now.”
*** The same identical anecdote is told of Sheridan and his son Tom.
Shingle (Solon), prominent personage in J. S. Jones’s farce, The People’s Lawyer.
Ship (The Intelligent). Ellīda (Frithjof’s ship) understood what was said to it; hence in the Frithjof Saga the son of Thornsten constantly addresses it, and the ship always obeys what is said to it.—Tegner, Frithjof Saga, x. (1825).