SHILLING Meaning and
Definition
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A shilling, historically abbreviated as "s," is a British unit of currency that was in circulation until decimalization in 1971. It was also used in several British Commonwealth countries. Deriving its name from the Medieval English term 'scilling,' meaning a monetary denomination, the shilling was established as a standard unit in 1487 during the reign of Henry VII.
In its original form, a shilling represented twelve pence in the pre-decimal currency system. The subdivision of a shilling was denoted as a penny, making it the equivalent of 1/20th of a pound sterling. Throughout the years, shillings were minted in various designs and metals, including silver and copper-nickel alloys.
Despite its discontinuation as a physical coin or note, the term "shilling" still alludes to a unit of value, commonly seen in phrases such as "not worth a shilling" or "for a shilling more." These idiomatic expressions often reflect the shilling's historical significance as a medium of exchange. In the present context, the term may indicate a sum of money that's insignificant or of little worth. Alternatively, it could imply a small additional cost or offering to influence or persuade someone. Though no longer a legal form of tender, the shilling remains an enduring part of British currency history, retaining its place in linguistic expressions and historical references.
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An English silver coin equal to twelve pence.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SHILLING
Etymology of SHILLING
The word "shilling" originated from the Old English word "scilling", which ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic "skell-", meaning "to sound or resound". In Old Norse, the word "skillingr" referred to a mark or a unit of currency, specifically the Scandinavian monetary unit. The word was then borrowed into Old English and used to denote a unit of currency equivalent to 20 pence. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, but the root meaning of the word has remained relatively consistent.
Idioms with the word SHILLING
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cut off with a shilling
The idiom "cut off with a shilling" refers to the act of disinheriting someone from their rightful share of an inheritance. It originates from the practice in England, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, of leaving a symbolic sum of one shilling to a family member who has been intentionally excluded from a larger inheritance. This act was often done as a means to show disapproval or to punish the individual, signifying that they were no longer considered a part of the family's financial affairs.
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not the full shilling
The idiom "not the full shilling" is a phrase commonly used in British English, particularly in informal contexts. It is used to describe someone who is not mentally or intellectually sound, or someone who is not behaving in a rational or sensible manner. It implies that the person is lacking intelligence or common sense. The phrase originated from the British currency system, where a shilling was a coin. Saying that someone is "not the full shilling" suggests that they are missing a crucial part, just like a coin that is not whole or complete.
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take the King's (or Queen's) shilling
The idiom "take the King's (or Queen's) shilling" refers to accepting payment or a reward from someone in a position of authority, often in exchange for one's loyalty or service. It originates from the practice in the past, where soldiers enlisted in the military by accepting a shilling (an old British coin) as a sign of their commitment to serve the monarch. By "taking the King's (or Queen's) shilling," one is essentially pledging allegiance and devotion to the person or institution that provided the payment or reward.
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take the King's shilling
The idiom "take the King's shilling" refers to enlisting or accepting a payment or reward, often in the form of a coin or token, to join or serve in the military or another form of government service. It originated from an old British practice where recruiters would offer a shilling to individuals as an incentive to join the King's army. By accepting the shilling, one would be bound by the terms and obligations of military service. This idiom is commonly used to express the act of willingly or unwillingly being lured or coerced into a commitment or obligation.
Similar spelling words for SHILLING
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