English Explanatory Dictionary

take the shilling

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To enlist as a soldier in the British army or navy by accepting a shilling from a recruiting officer.
  2. To enlist as a soldier of any military force; to join the armed forces.
  3. To be on the payroll of an organization; to work for an organization.

Pronunciation

/teɪk ðə ˈʃɪlɪŋ/ En-us-take the shilling.oga

Word forms

take the shilling takes the shilling taking the shilling took the shilling taken the shilling

Etymology

A reference to the practice during the 18th and 19th century of a recruiting officer getting a person to enlist in the British Army or Royal Navy by accepting (or being tricked into accepting) a shilling, which was then a soldier’s daily pay. The practice was officially ended in 1879.

Related words

King's shilling Queen's shilling impressment military service the world
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