Sneesh-box. Scottish for a snuff-box.
Snob. This term arose out of the expressions on the part of the vulgar whenever a conceited person who aped gentility was encountered: “He’s a nob,” “He’s not a nob,” or “He wants to make people believe he’s a nob,” until they resulted in the simple exclamation “Snob.” Such a word having once been established as the antithesis of “Nob,” a shoemaker merited the description of a Snob because his work was confined to the pedal extremities instead of the person’s head.
Snow Hill. A corruption of “Snore Hill,” so called because travellers by the stage-coach from Guildford were generally snoring by the time they reach their destination at the hill foot, “The Saracen’s Head.”
Soaker. Both in England and America this term denotes a habitual drunkard, soaked in liquor.
Soane Museum. This magnificent but little known collection of works of Art was acquired by Sir John Soane, the antiquary, at his residence in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, where, subject to certain seasonal restrictions, it may be visited by anyone.
Sociable. An open carriage with two seats, thus admitting of its riders being face to face.
Socialists. A term of wide meaning, but according to its modern acceptation synonymous with “Levellers,” the adopted name of the malcontents of the time of Charles I., who sought to reduce society to a common level.
Society Islands. Named by Captain Cook in compliment to the Royal Society.
Society of Jesus. See “[Jesuits].”
Socinians. The followers of Lælius Socinus, an Italian theologian of the sixteenth century. They held the same views as the modern “Unitarians.”