shi

prop. n. Same as Shiite; when used with a plural verb, the Shiites, collectively. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Heb. shibbōleth an ear of corn, or a stream, a flood. ] 1. A word which was made the criterion by which to distinguish the Ephraimites from the Gileadites. The Ephraimites, not being able to pronounce sh, called the word sibboleth. See Judges xii. [ 1913 Webster ]

Without reprieve, adjudged to death,
For want of well pronouncing shibboleth. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Also used in an extended sense. [ 1913 Webster ]

The th, with its twofold value, is . . . the shibboleth of foreigners. Earle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, the criterion, test, or watchword of a party; a party cry or pet phrase. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Prob. fr. G. scheisser one who defecates. ] (Mining) An unproductive mine; a duffer. [ Australia ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ OE. shide, schide, AS. scīde; akin to OHG. scīt, G. scheit, Icel. skīð, and E. shed, v.t. ] A thin board; a billet of wood; a splinter. [ Prov. Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. See Shy, to throw. [ 1913 Webster ]

imp. & p. p. of Shy. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A sheeling. [ Scot. ] Burns. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. sheld, scheld, AS. scield, scild, sceld, scyld; akin to OS. scild, OFries. skeld, D. & G. schild, OHG. scilt, Icel. skjöldr, Sw. sköld, Dan. skiold, Goth. skildus; of uncertain origin. Cf. Sheldrake. ] 1. A broad piece of defensive armor, carried on the arm, -- formerly in general use in war, for the protection of the body. See Buckler. [ 1913 Webster ]

Now put your shields before your hearts and fight,
With hearts more proof than shields. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Anything which protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection. “My council is my shield.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Figuratively, one who protects or defends. [ 1913 Webster ]

Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen. xv. 1. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Bot.) In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and containing the fructification, or asci. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Her.) The escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in coats of arms. Cf. Lozenge. See Illust. of Escutcheon. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Mining & Tunneling) A framework used to protect workmen in making an adit under ground, and capable of being pushed along as excavation progresses. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield. “Bespotted as with shields of red and black.” Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. A coin, the old French crown, or écu, having on one side the figure of a shield. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Shield fern (Bot.), any fern of the genus Aspidium, in which the fructifications are covered with shield-shaped indusia; -- called also wood fern. See Illust. of Indusium. [ 1913 Webster ]