Sandy. The nickname of a Scotsman, being short for Alexander, the most common Christian name to be met with in North Britain.
San Francisco. Dedicated to St Francis, this Spanish-American city really received its name from a coast settlement of missionaries styled “San Francisco de Costa Dolores” as far back as September 1776.
Sankey’s Horse. The regimental nickname of the 39th Foot. This was merited in India, when they were called upon to do temporary service on horseback under Colonel Sankey.
Sansculottes. The lowest orders of the people during the French Revolution. This, literally “without breeches,” was the scornful title at first bestowed by the aristocrats upon the Democratic party on account of their neglectful attire. A little while later the Red Republicans accepted it with pride as the password for patriotism.
San Salvador. This being the first land sighted in the New World by Columbus, he honoured it with the name of the “Holy Saviour,” as a perpetual expression of thanksgiving.
Sans Souci. This, the French for “free and easy,” or “without care,” was the name borne by a famous place of amusement originally built by Dibdin as a bijou theatre in Leicester Square.
Santa Fe. Spanish for “Holy Faith.”
Santa Cruz. Spanish for “Holy Cross.”
Santiago. From the cathedral (in the city of Spain so named) containing the bones of St Jago, or James the Less, the national patron saint.
Saraband. After Zarabanda, a celebrated dancer of Seville, who invented it.