To SHIFT. In a military sense, to change place or station. Hence, to shift quarters. In the exercise, &c. of a battalion, officers commanding divisions are, upon particular occasions, such as marching past, &c. to shift from the right to the left, to conduct the heads of files, or the pivot flanks, in column or echellon. Whenever officers shift, they must pass briskly by the rear, and never along the front of the division. The covering serjeants always move with them.
The SHILLINGS. A phrase in familiar use among British army brokers, to express a certain profit or per centage which they gain in the sale, purchase, and exchange of commissions. The regulated price of a company in any regiment of foot being 1500l. only, that sum can be lodged at an agent’s, or a banker’s; but if the company be what is called in the market, the broker who transacts the business, receives one shilling in the pound, and in order to produce this premium, the purchaser gives 1500 guineas, out of which the shillings amounting to 75l. are paid to the broker, leaving the nett regulation untouched.
Head-quarter SHIP. The ship on which the commander in chief of an expedition is embarked, and from which signals are made for the commanding officers, adjutants, &c. of corps, to attend.
Hospital SHIP. The ship in which the sick and wounded soldiers, &c. are taken care of on expeditions, and during sea voyages.
Prison SHIP. A ship appropriated for the reception of prisoners of war, &c.
SHOCCA, Ind. Any letter written by the king.
SNOOKREWAR, Ind. A word which corresponds with Friday.
SHOOTING. See [Gunnery] and [Projectile].
SHORTEN your bridle. A word of command used in cavalry, viz.
1st. Seize the upper end of the reins of the bridle, which is to lie on the right side of the horse, with the right hand.