Spreads himself. Said of one in America who makes an ostentatious display of self-conceit. The allusion is to a peacock spreading its tail feathers to their utmost capacity.
Spring Gardens. So called because at this north-eastern entrance to St James’s Park unwitting pedestrians were suddenly drenched by a spray of water through stepping on a hidden spring. This was considered fine sport for the gallants who looked on during the Restoration period.
Spring Heel Jack. The sobriquet of the eccentric Marquis of Waterford, who about a century ago cultivated the habit of frightening people after nightfall by springing upon them out of obscure corners and alleys. It was said that terror of the streets had steel springs fitted to his heels for the purpose.
Square Meal. An Americanism for a full meal, which can only be enjoyed at the table, in contradistinction to a snack at a luncheon bar.
Squatter. Literally one who squats down on land to which he has no legal title.
Squaw. Algonquin[Algonquin] for an Indian woman.
Stafford. The county town of the shire derived this name from the ancient mode of fording the River Sow, upon which it stands, by means of staves or stilts.
Stage-coach. So called from the stages or degrees of the whole journey, at each of which the coach pulled up to change horses and refresh the travellers.
Staines. From the Saxon stane, stone, the boundary mark set up beside the Thames, bearing date 1280, and the inscription: “God preserve the City of London.” This defined the western limits of jurisdiction claimed by the Thames Conservancy or Water Board.
Stand Sam. An Americanism for to “stand treat,” which originated among the soldiers during the Civil War. When billeted upon the people they demanded liquor by wholesale, saying that “Uncle Sam” would pay for it, and it was everyone’s duty to stand Sam. See “Uncle Sam.”