Side Walk. An Americanism for the English “pavement” and the Scottish “causeway.”
Siedlitz Powders. From Siedlitz in Bohemia, whence, like the celebrated mineral waters of the same name, they are obtained.
Sienna. A pigment obtained from the native Terra di Sienna in Italy.
Sign on. An industrial phrase for signing one’s name in a book on arriving to commence the day’s work. The like procedure at the day’s close is styled “Sign off.”
Silhouette. After Etienne de Silhouette, Comptroller of Finance under Louis XV., who was the first to have his features outlined from a side view on black paper.
Sillery. A champagne produced from the extensive vineyards of the Marquis de Sillery.
Silver Captain. The sobriquet of Admiral Sir Henry Digby from the large haul he on 15th October 1799 made by the capture of a Spanish treasure ship laden with dollars, his own share of the prize money amounting to £40,730, 18s. This he attributed to a fortunate dream, in which he repeatedly heard a voice exclaim: “Digby! Digby! steer to the northward!”
Silver-tongued Sylvester. John Sylvester, the translator of Du Barta’s “Divine Week and Works,” so styled on account of his harmonious verse.
Simple Life. A term which has come into vogue, both in England and America, since the publication of the Rev. Charles Wagner’s remarkable book “The Simple Life,” in advocacy of plain living, three or four years ago.
Single-speech Hamilton. The sobriquet of William Gerard Hamilton, Chancellor of the Exchequer in Ireland. He delivered on 13th November 1775 a speech which electrified the House, but after that memorable first effort he never spoke again.