King's shilling definitions
| Word backwards | s'gnik gnillihs |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The part of speech of the word "king's shilling" is a noun phrase. |
| Syllabic division | king's shil-ling |
| Plural | Kings' shillings. |
| Total letters | 13 |
| Vogais (1) | i |
| Consonants (6) | k,n,g,s,h,l |
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the King's Shilling was a method used by the British Army to recruit soldiers. This practice involved offering a shilling coin to individuals as a token of acceptance into the military, thereby binding them to serve in the army for a specified period.
Origin and Purpose
The origin of the King's Shilling dates back to the 17th century when the shilling coin was given to recruits as an inducement to join the army. The practice was formalized in the 18th century with the passage of the Recruiting Act of 1779. The purpose of the King's Shilling was to ensure a steady supply of soldiers for the British Army, especially during times of war or when recruitment numbers were low.
Symbolism
Accepting the King's Shilling was seen as a binding agreement to serve in the military. By taking the coin, individuals were essentially signing up for a life of discipline, obedience, and potential danger on the battlefield. The act of receiving the shilling symbolized a commitment to serve the king and country.
Conscription and Controversies
While the King's Shilling was a way to boost recruitment numbers, it was also met with criticism and resistance. Many individuals were tricked or coerced into accepting the coin, leading to protests and legal challenges. The practice of impressment, where individuals were forcibly enlisted into the army, also fueled discontent among the population.
Recruits who accepted the King's Shilling often faced harsh conditions, low pay, and the risk of injury or death in battle. Despite these challenges, the practice continued for many years until reforms were eventually made to improve the conditions of soldiers in the British Army.
Overall, the King's Shilling remains a symbol of the military recruitment practices of the past and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces. While the practice itself may have had its controversies, it is an important part of British military history and tradition.
King's shilling Examples
- He joined the army after being tricked into taking the king's shilling.
- Receiving the king's shilling meant signing up for military service.
- The press gang would often use the king's shilling to recruit sailors.
- Taking the king's shilling was a way to secure a place in the navy.
- Many men were coerced into accepting the king's shilling during wartime.
- Once he took the king's shilling, he was bound for several years of service.
- The tradition of the king's shilling dates back to the 18th century.
- There are stories of men trying to avoid the king's shilling by hiding or running away.
- Accepting the king's shilling was often seen as a last resort for those in need of money.
- For some, the promise of the king's shilling was a way out of poverty.