King's shilling

English

Noun

King's shilling (plural King's shillings)

  1. a shilling accepted by new recruits when tricked into or agreeing to enlist into the British army or navy during the 18th and 19th centuries.
    • 1913, D.H. Lawrence, Sons and Lovers, chapter 8
      "I have taken the King's shilling, but perhaps if you came for me they would let me go back with you. I was a fool when I did it. I don't want to be in the army. [...] "

References
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