Sham, contraction of champagne. In general use among the lower class of sporting men. Sometimes extended to SHAMMY.
Sham Abraham, to feign sickness. See [Abraham].
Shandrydan, an old-fashioned or rickety conveyance of the “shay” order.
Shandy-gaff, ale and gingerbeer. Origin unknown, but use very common.
Shanks, legs.
Shanks’s mare, “to ride SHANK’S MARE,” to go on foot.
Shant, a pot or quart; “SHANT of bivvy,” a quart of beer.
Shanty, a rude, temporary habitation. The word is principally employed to designate the huts inhabited by navigators, when constructing large lines of railway far distant from towns. It is derived from the French CHANTIER, used by the Canadians for a log hut, and has travelled from thence, by way of the United States, to England.
Shanty, a song. A term in use among sailors. From CHANTER.
Shapes, “to cut up” or “show SHAPES,” to exhibit pranks, or flightiness.