Shillelagh. A oaken sapling fashioned into a cudgel for self-defence, so called from a wood in Ireland celebrated for its oaks.
Shilling. This silver coin was of considerable value to our ancestors, who always sounded it as a test of its genuineness. Hence, as the “ringing coin,” the Anglo-Saxons gave it the name of scilling, which, like the modern German schilling, is derived from the verb schallen, to sound.
Shinplaster. An Americanism for a bank-note. During the Civil War paper money was so much depreciated in value that its possessors could not easily negotiate it at any price. Finding this to be his own case, an old soldier philosophically used his bank-notes as plasters for a wounded shin.
Ship. A tavern sign commemorative of the circumnavigation of the globe by Sir Francis Drake; also a technical term in the printing trade for the compositors working together in a particular room or department, being an abbreviation[abbreviation] of “Companionship.”
Shire. A portion of land scired or sheared off under the Saxon Heptarchy for the creation of an earldom.
Shoe Lane. This name has no connection with shoemakers, or cordwainers as they were anciently called. As an offshoot of Fleet Street, the great thoroughfare of taverns, this was anciently “Show Lane,” lined with booths and shows like a country fair.
Shooter. An Americanism for a revolver.
Shooters’ Hill. A corruption of “Suitors’ Hall,” so called from the suitors or place hunters who came this way when Henry VIII. had his Court at Greenwich.
Shooting Iron. A Far West term for a rifle.
Shop. Theatrical slang for an engagement.