shilling
UK[ˈʃɪlɪŋ]US[ˈʃɪlɪŋ]
n
a former british coin and unit of money worth one twentieth of a pound or twelve old pence, replaced by the five pence coin in 1971.
n
the basic unit of money in kenya, tanzania, and uganda.
Etymology
the word "shilling" has a long and direct lineage in the germanic languages, traceable to proto-germanic skillingaz. its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may be derived from a root meaning "to divide" or "to cut," possibly relating to the coin's function as a unit of division of a larger currency measure. entering old english as scilling, it consistently denoted a coin of significant value, first in gold and later in silver. the term's journey from a specific ancient coin to a key unit in the pre-decimal british monetary system, and its subsequent adoption by several east african nations, demonstrates its enduring utility as a monetary designation.
Analysis
this is a simplex word. it is a loanword from old english scilling, a term for a gold coin, which has germanic origins.
Examples
before decimalization, you could buy a loaf of bread for a few shillings.
the novel described a character tipping a shilling to the carriage driver.
the exchange rate is approximately one hundred kenyan shillings to the us dollar.