Виктор Евгеньевич Никитин
Исторический английский фразеологический словарь
Serjeants’ Inn. Anciently the inn or mansion of the “Freres Serjens,” a brotherhood of Servitors to the Knights Templars hard by. It was these who performed the ordinary household duties in the Temple.
Serle Street. After Henry Serle of Lincoln’s Inn, the owner of considerable property in this neighbourhood when the parish of St Clement Danes was very different to what it is now.
Sermon Lane. Anciently “Sheremoniers’ Lane,” so called from the money shearers or clippers’ office adjacent to the first London Mint.
326Serpentine. An artificial winding lake formed out of the pools and the Tyburn in Hyde Park in 1733. See “Bayswater.”
Servia. The country of the Suevi, a people driven by the Romans into that portion of Germany now called “Suabia,” until after further migrations northward they settled in Sweden.
Servites. This religious Order grew out of the pious example of seven Florentine merchants who in 1283 assembled each evening for devotional exercises in a lady chapel and styled themselves “The Religious Servants of the Holy Virgin.” The London house of the Community is in the Fulham Road.
Set her Cap at him. With the coquetry peculiar to her sex, a female always put on her most becoming cap to attract the male visitor whom she favoured. Now that caps are no longer worn she resorts to other devices, but the old expression survives.
Set the Thames on fire. A “temse” was the old name for a sieve, agreeably to the French tamis and the Italian tamiso, which terms express the same implement. A sifter would require to work very hard indeed to ignite his sieve. Accordingly a bystander often said to him touching his apparent laziness: “You’ll never set the temse on fire!” Its punning
Seven Dials. A once notorious thieves’ neighbourhood, which received its name from a stone column presenting seven dials or faces, from which the same number of streets radiated. This, originally set up to mark the limits of St Giles’s and St Martin’s parishes, was removed in 1763, owing to the erroneous idea that a large sum of money lay buried beneath it.
Seven Sisters’ Road. This long road, extending from Holloway to Tottenham, received its name from seven trees planted in Page Green in the latter parish by the Sisters Page. Local tradition has it that one of these was a cripple, and the tree planted by her grew up deformed.
327Seventh Day Baptists. See “Sabbatarians.”
Saxagesima Sunday. Approximately the sixtieth day before Easter.
Seymour Place. After one of the family names of the Portmans, owners of the estate.
Seymour Street. Far removed from Seymour Place, this has no connection with the Portman family, having received its name from the first builder on the land.
Shadwell. A corruption of “St Chad’s Well,” a reputed holy well discovered hereabouts in ancient days.
Shaft Alley. See “St Andrew Undershaft.”
Shaftesbury Avenue. After Anthony Ashley Cooper, seventh Earl of Shaftsbury, who performed the opening ceremony of this new thoroughfare shortly before his death in 1885.
Shah Diamond. A gem weighing 86 carats, long the property of Chosroes I., Shah of Persia, who, dying in 579, presented it to a Khan of the Tartars, from whom it descended to Ivan III., the grandfather of Ivan the Terrible, the first Czar of Russia.
Shakers. An American sect, first heard of in 1774, at Albany in the state of New York, so called from the convulsive movements of the hands and arms as part of their peculiar form of worship. Its founder was Ann Lee, self-styled “Mother Ann,” of Manchester, who, receiving little encouragement for her religious tenets in her native land, emigrated with a few disciples to the New World.
Shalloon. Originally manufactured at Chalons in France.
Shanty. This term for a hut or cabin first obtained currency in Canada, having been derived from the French settlers, who gave the name chantier to a hut erected in a dockyard under construction.
Shattered Prices. An Americanism for “reduced prices.”
“She” Bible. See “‘He’ Bible.”
Sheen. See “Richmond.”
328Sheet Anchor. A corruption of “Shote Anchor,” an extra heavy one, that can be expeditiously shot out for the greater security of a vessel under stress of weather. To act as a sheet anchor to a man is to be his mainstay or chief dependence.
Sheffield. From the River Sheaf, on the confluence of which and the Don the town stands.
Shekel Day. The day (27th May) set apart every year throughout the Jewish world for the collection of a shekel–a shilling, franc mark, half rouble, or “quarter,” according to the currency of the individual country–in support of the Zionist Movement for the re-colonisation of Palestine. The word “shekel” is from the Hebrew shekal, to weigh.
Shepherdess Walk. A name reminiscent of the days when the entire district between Finsbury and “Merrie Islington” was open fields.
Shepherd’s Bush. Pleasantly pastoral as the name is, this district is now wholly built over. A “Shepherd’s bush” was a hillock covered with soft vegetation on which he reclined while tending his flocks.
Shepherd’s Market. The site of a former weekly market, the land of which, like that of Market Street and Shepherd Street, was owned by a person of this name.
Shepperton. A corruption of “Shepherd’s Town”; whether derived from the name of the landowner, or because the district was originally given up to sheep-folds, is not known.
Sherbet. The national beverage in Arabia, so called from shariba, to drink, because it is taken at a single draught; hence the same name applied to effervescing liquors in this country.
Sherry. An English corruption of “Sherris,” a dry wine exported from Xeres in Spain.
Sherry Cobbler. An American drink which, in addition to the ordinary ingredients of a “Cobbler,” contains a dash of sherry.
329Shetland Isles. Anciently described as Hyaltland, the Norse for “Viking Land,” the name was softened into Zetland, and finally as we now have it.
She Wolf of France. A name that will ever cling to the memory of Isabella, the queen of Edward II., whom she caused to be murdered most foully through the instrumentality of her paramour, the Earl of Mortimer. This monster of iniquity lies buried in Christ Church, Newgate Street.
Shift. An old name for a chemise, denoting a shift or change of linen; also an industrial term for a change of men at certain hours, so that work can be carried on uninterruptedly by day and night.
Shillelagh. A oaken sapling fashioned into a cudgel for self-defence, so called from a wood in Ireland celebrated for its oaks.
Shilling. This silver coin was of considerable value to our ancestors, who always sounded it as a test of its genuineness. Hence, as the “ringing coin,” the Anglo-Saxons gave it the name of scilling, which, like the modern German schilling, is derived from the verb schallen, to sound.
Shinplaster. An Americanism for a bank-note. During the Civil War paper money was so much depreciated in value that its possessors could not easily negotiate it at any price. Finding this to be his own case, an old soldier philosophically used his bank-notes as plasters for a wounded shin.
Ship. A tavern sign commemorative of the circumnavigation of the globe by Sir Francis Drake; also a technical term in the printing trade for the compositors working together in a particular room or department, being an abbreviation of “Companionship.”
Shire. A portion of land scired or sheared off under the Saxon Heptarchy for the creation of an earldom.
Shoe Lane. This name has no connection with shoemakers, or cordwainers as they were anciently called. As an offshoot of Fleet Street, the great thoroughfare 330of taverns, this was anciently “Show Lane,” lined with booths and shows like a country fair.
Shooter. An Americanism for a revolver.
Shooters’ Hill. A corruption of “Suitors’ Hall,” so called from the suitors or place hunters who came this way when Henry VIII. had his Court at Greenwich.
Shooting Iron. A Far West term for a rifle.
Shop. Theatrical slang for an engagement.
Shop-lifting. This phrase for abstracting goods from a shop counter had its origin in the printer’s technical term “Lifting.”
Shoreditch. All other suggested derivations notwithstanding, this district really received its name from the manor of Sir John Soerditch, a wealthy citizen, and a favourite of Edward the Black Prince, by whose side he fought at Crecy and Poitiers.
Show. Theatrical slang for a performance.
Shrewsbury. See “Shropshire.”
Shropshire. This name expresses in a roundabout way the shire of Shrewsbury, the Anglo-Saxon Scrobbesburgh that grew up around an ancient castle among the scrubs or shrubs, softened by the Normans into Sloppesbury, which lent its name to what is now “Salop,” and finally corrupted into Shrewsbury.
Shrove Tuesday. A corruption of “Shrive Tuesday” when all good Catholics confessed their sins in preparation for receiving the blest ashes on the following morning.
Siberia. The country ruled from the ancient town of Sibir, the capital of the Tartars, and which contained the palace of the renowned Kutsheen Khan, the ruins of which are still visible.
Sicily. From the Siculi, a tribe who became masters of the island, expelling the Sicanii, its ancient inhabitants.
Sick. A word uniformly used throughout the United States in the place of “ill,” as in our own country. This is not an Americanism, but good honest English, having been introduced to the New World by the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed in the Mayflower. Both 331in the Bible and in Shakespeare sick, not ill, is employed. This is one of the few instances in which the Americans have preserved a word true to its original meaning.
Sidmouth Street. After Lord Sidmouth, a popular Minister at the accession of George IV., when this street was first built upon.
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.
332Single-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.
Sing Small. A corruption of “Sink Small,” meaning to be lowered in the estimation of those to whom one has made a vain boast.
Sinking Fund. One that provides for the annual reduction of a National Debt.
Sinner-saved Huntingdon. William Huntingdon, the theologian and preacher, who, having led a wild life in his youth, made amends for these delinquencies in the full vigour of manhood.
Sirree. A vulgar American corruption of “Sir,” corresponding to the old English “Sirrah.” Originating at New York, it is now quite a common thing for people in the States generally to answer: “Yes, sirree,” and “No, sirree.”
Sise Lane. A corruption of St Osyth’s Lane, after an ancient church in it, now removed.
Sixteen String Jack. Jack Rann, the highwayman, hanged in 1791, so called from the sixteen tags he wore on the knees of his breeches.
Six-shooter. An Americanism for a six-chambered revolver.
Skagerrack. Expresses the crooked strait between the Skagen, the plural of the Gothic skaga, a promontory, between Jutland and Norway.
Skald. An ancient northern bard or minstrel. The word is Scandinavian for “poet.”
Skied. An artists’ term for a picture hung on the highest row, just under the ceiling, at any exhibition, where no one can look at it closely.
Skinner Street. Stands on land belonging to the Skinners’ Company.
333Skylarking. Originally an American seaman’s term for rough sport among the ship’s rigging and tops.
Sky Parlor. An Americanism for an attic.
Sky Pilot. An American naval expression for a ship’s chaplain. The allusion is obvious.
Sky-scraper. The name given in the United States to a building of lofty proportions, often running to as many as thirty storeys. Viewing these from Brooklyn Bridge it would really seem as if the New Yorkers were anxious to scour the heavens out of their top windows.
Sky Sign. A structure on the roof of a house of business for the purposes of a bold advertisement. This Transatlantic innovation has within the last few years been interdicted by order of the London County Council.
Slacker. An Eton term for one who never takes part in games; he cannot be coerced, and declines to exert himself in any way.
Slate Club. Originally a parochial thrift society whose members met in the schoolroom, their contributions being pro tem entered on slates, conveniently at hand.
Slick into it. To do a thing right away, never pausing until it is finished. As a variant of “Polish it off” this expression is rightly employed, slick being derived from the German schlicht, polished, clean.
Sling. An American mixed drink, so called on account of the different ingredients slung into it.
Sling your Hook. Originally an abbreviated angler’s phrase: “Sling your hook a little farther along, and then we shall both have more room.”
Slipper. A shoe into which the foot is easily slipped, more particularly among the Orientals, who dispense with the back leather clasping the heel.
Sloane Square. After Sir Hans Sloane, the original owner of the estate, whose daughter became by marriage the first Countess of Cadogan.
334Slope. To run away with expedition, as it were down the slope of a hill.
Smile. An Americanism for a “drink.” Unlike the common run of Americanisms, there is warranty for the term. When drinking their native beverage, “pulque,” the Mexicans look at one another, and smile. This custom has obtained with them ever since Montezuma gulped down this tipple offered to him by the hand of his daughter. See “Cocktail.”
Smithfield. A corruption of “Smoothfield,” a fine tract of meadow land on which mediæval tournaments were held, likewise horse races.
Smith of Antwerp. Quentin Matsys, the celebrated painter, who began life as a blacksmith.
Smalls. In theatrical parlance “the small towns.”
Smart Set. Originally an Americanism for the exclusive fashionable set of Boston society. The term has latterly travelled over to these shores, and the Smart Set of West End London does not appear to be beloved by Father Bernard Vaughan.
Snapshot. An Americanism for a photograph taken instantaneously with a portable camera. “Snap” is, however, a good old English word. We speak of a person being “snapped off” by disease–i.e. carried off suddenly.
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 335were 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.”
Sock and Buskin. The drama, alluding to the low and high shoe or sandal worn respectively by comic and tragic actors in the theatre of the ancients. The soccus was a simple shoe, whereas the brossquin, a term remotely derived from the Greek bursa, a hide, extended to the knee, and was, moreover, two or three inches thick in the sole to increase the height of the performer.
Sod. A north country term for a mean, ignorant fellow, no better than a lout or clodhopper, in allusion to the sod of agriculture.
Soft Soap. Flattery, because, unlike the ordinary kind, soft soap is easily rubbed in.
Soho. A name pleasantly recalling the days when, prior to the sixteenth century, the whole of London westward of Drury Lane was open country. So ho was the 336cry of the huntsmen when a hare broke cover, expressing the Norman-French for “See! Hie! (after him).”
Soirée. A sociable evening party, so called from the French soir, evening.
Soldier of Fortune. A soldier without fortune who seeks to make one by enlisting in any service which holds out the prospect of good pay.
Solid Straight. Another name for a “Straight Drink.”
Somerset. Described in Anglo-Saxon days as Suthmorset, the “South Moor Settlement.”
Somerset House. Covers the site of the palatial residence of Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, the Lord Protector of Edward VI. On the sequestration of his estates in 1552 this passed to the Crown, and became a virtual royal residence. Here the body of James I. lay in state; here too the queens of Charles I. and Charles II. took up their abode. The present edifice dates from 1766.
Somers Town. From Lord Somers, the owner of the estate.
Sorbonne. After its founder Robert de Sorbon, a canon of Cambrai in 1252.
Souchong. A species of black tea called by the Chinese se-ou-chong, “small, good quality.”
Soudan. Properly “Suden,” from the Arabic Belad-ez-Suden, “district of the blacks.”
Southampton. The south town on the Ant or Hantone. See “Hampshire.”
Southampton Buildings. Marks the site of Southampton House, in which lived and died the last Earl of Southhampton, Lord Treasurer of Charles II.
Southampton Street. After one of the family titles of the Duke of Bedford, the great ground landlord.
South Audley Street. See “Audley Street.”
Southgate. See “New Southgate.”
337Southwark. A name which points to the Danish rule in England. The earliest London bridge of wood having been built in 1014, or two years before Canute seized upon the throne, this monarch took up his residence on the south bank of the Thames, and holding his Court there, styled it Sydrike, the Norse for “South Kingdom.” His successors also affected the Surrey side; as we know, Hardicanute died of a surfeit at Lambeth. By the Anglo-Saxons under Edward the Confessor the Danish Sydrike was rendered Suthwerk, or South Fortification, whence we have derived the name in its present form.
Southwick Crescent. After Southwick Park, the country seat of the Thistlewaytes, at one time joint lessees of the manor of Paddington.
Sovereign. So called because when first struck, in the reign of Henry VIII., this gold coin had upon it a representation of that sovereign in his royal robes.
Sovereign Pontiff. The superior title of the Pope. See “Pontiff.”
Spa. From the town of the same name (which expresses the Flemish for “fountain”) in Belgium, the fashionable Continental resort during the seventeenth century.
Spa Fields. From an ancient public resort known as the “London Spa,” in connection with a medicinal well discovered during the thirteenth century. An account of the “Spa Fields Chapel,” originally a theatre, purchased by the Countess of Huntingdon, the name has survived to our own time.
Spagnoletto. See “Lo Spagnoletto.”
Spain. Called by the Carthaginians “Hispania,” from the Punic span, rabbit, on account of the wild rabbits which abounded in the peninsula. See “Iberia.”
Spaniards. This famous “house of call” for pedestrians across Highgate Heath was originally the private residence of the Spanish Ambassador to the Court of James I.
338Spaniel. From Hispaniola, the old name of Hayti Island, in the West Indies, whence this breed of Spanish dog was introduced to Europe.
Spanish Main. The ancient designation of the waters around the West Indian Islands in the Caribbean Sea that rightly belonged to Spain.
Spanish Place. From the residence of the Spanish Ambassador during the eighteenth century. The private chapel attached to this mansion formed the nucleus of the present Catholic church.
Sparking. An Americanism for “courting.” There may be warranty for this in relation to “the spark of affection.”
Spa Road. From a long-forgotten spa or mineral well in this portion of Bermondsey.
Spa Water. Natural mineral waters drawn from a “Spa” or well.
Speaker. The official designation of the President of the House of Commons, to whom technically, the Members address themselves, though as a matter of fact, they address the country at large through the medium of the Press. Since he never speaks himself, except to rule a point of order, his title is a misnomer.
Spencer. A short overjacket introduced by the Earl of Spencer. This nobleman made a wager that he would set a new fashion by appearing abroad in any style of garment, however hideous it might be. He won his bet, for “Spencers” became popular.
Specs. Short for “spectacles.”
Spelling Bee. The name given to a competitive examination, in spelling in American schools, and later introduced in the cities as a fashionable pastime. From the States it reached England about a quarter of a century ago. The term “Bee” is essentially Transatlantic, being employed in the sense of a “hive” for any assemblage of workers–e.g. “a Sewing Bee.”
339Spindle City. Lowell in Massachusetts, so called on account of its numerous cotton factories.
Spinet. An early form of pianoforte, so called because it was played upon exclusively by unmarried females, as a relaxation from the labours of the spindle.
Spinster. A maiden lady, so called from the distaff or spindle, the regular occupation of an unmarried female.
Spiritualist. One who cherishes a belief in the power of communicating with departed spirits through the instrumentality of a Medium.
Spitalfields. The derivation of this name is generally given as from an ancient priory of “St Mary of the Spittle.” This is wrong. There may have been such a priory, but if so, like the present parish church, its designation arose out of the “spital,” or hospital in the sense of an almshouse, founded in the fields for the poor by Walter Brune and his wife during the reign of Richard Cœur de Lion.
Spithead. This famous roadstead, so eminently adapted for naval reviews, received its name from being situated at the head of the “spit” or sandbank which extends along the coast for three miles.
Spitzbergen. Danish for “sharp-pointed mountains,” relative to the mountain peaks in these islands.
Spook. Expresses the Dutch for “ghost.” Introduced to the United States by the early settlers of New York, this term has obtained currency on both sides of the Atlantic in connection with Spiritualism.
Spooning. This word is a play on “billing and cooing.” Courting couples in the act of whispering “soft nothings” have their mouths in such close contact that it resembles the manner of a mother bird feeding her young brood.
Sporting Women. An Americanism for “gay women.”
Spouting. Colloquial for public speaking, because the orator indulges in a constant flow of rhetoric, like water issuing from a pump spout.
340Sprat Day. 9th November, the opening of the London sprat-selling season.
Spread Eagle. An inn sign adopted from the arms of Germany, indicative of the fact that the wines of that country were to be had on the premises.
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 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.” 341This 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.”
Stanhope. An open carriage named in compliment to the Earl of Stanhope, author and politician.
Stanhope Gate. This entrance to Hyde Park, in Park Lane, received its name from Philip Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, residing at Chesterfield House close by.
Staples Inn. Properly “Staplers’ Inn,” the ancient Hall of the Woolstaplers, styled Merchants of the Staple.
Star and Garter. An inn or tavern sign commemorative of the institution of the Order of the Garter by Edward III.
Star Chamber. This historic court received its name not from the stars decorating the ceiling, as generally stated, but because it was the ancient depository of the Starra, or Jewish records, at the order of Richard I.
Start your Boots. An Americanism for “Be off!” “Walk away.”
Starvation Dundas. The sobriquet of Henry Dundas, created Lord Melville, owing to his constant repetition of the word “Starvation” in the course of a debate on American affairs in 1775.
State of Spain. New Jersey. After the battle of Waterloo Joseph Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon I., fled to New Jersey, and, settling on an estate at Borderstown, gathered so many Frenchmen and Spaniards around him that the Philadelphians regarded the people of this state generally as Spaniards and foreigners. At this time Joseph Bonaparte was nominally King of Naples and of Spain.
Stationer. This term was not derived from “Stationery,” 342since the latter grew out of the former. Ancient so-called booksellers were of two kinds: the itinerants, and the stallholders in open market. Both dealt in such books as were known at the time–hornbooks and the like–but principally in writing materials, and as the stationery booksellers had a more varied assortment than the pedlars, pen, ink, and paper eventually received the name of “stationery,” and their vendors that of “stationers.”
Steelyard. The name given to a weighing machine on which a single weight is moved along a graduated beam. This has no reference to a “yard” measure, but to the ancient Steelyard near London Bridge, where the German merchants of old landed, weighed, and sold their fine steel.
Steeplechase. This term originated in a race by a party of unsuccessful fox hunters, who agreed to run a race to the village church, the steeple of which was visible a couple of miles away, the one who touched its stones with his whip first being declared the winner.
Stepney. A corruption of “Stebenhithe,” after the owner of a hithe or wharf on this portion of the Thames bank in Anglo-Saxon days.
Sterling Money. That originally coined in this country by the “Esterlings,” the name given to the people of the Hanse Towns in the eastern portion of Germany, at the invitation of King John. The purity of the Esterling coinage was above reproach, whereas that of England anterior to the mission of the Hansa merchants to reform it had long become debased.
Sterling Silver. Genuine silver in its natural purity as opposed to “German Silver,” an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc first made in Germany. See “Sterling Money.”
Stick a Pin there. An Americanism for “make a note of it as a reminder.” Dressmakers always stick a pin to mark the place where material is to be stitched or taken in.
343Stiletto. Expresses the diminutive of the Italian stilo, a dagger.
