n. Ancient hybrid secret language used by irish tinkers, gypsies, etc. [origin unknown]

v. (-ving) 1 put aside, esp. Temporarily.

- put (books etc.) On a shelf.

- fit with shelves.

- (of ground etc.) Slope. shelving n.

n. (pl. Same or -s) member of a himalayan people living on the borders of nepal and tibet. [native name]

n. (pl. -ies) 1 fortified wine orig. From s. Spain.

- glass of this. [xeres in andalusia]

—n. - a piece of armour held in front of the body for protection when fighting. B person or thing giving protection.

- shield-shaped trophy.

- protective plate or screen in machinery etc.

- heraldry stylized representation of a shield for displaying a coat of arms etc. —v. Protect or screen. [old english]

superl. Of *shy1.

adj. Colloq. (-ier, -iest) evasive; deceitful. shiftily adv. Shiftiness n.

—n. Adherent of the branch of islam rejecting the first three sunni caliphs. —adj. Of this branch. [arabic shiah, = party]

n. (pl. -ies) colloq. - brawl, disturbance, or noise.

- = *shindig 1. [perhaps an alteration of *shinty]

n. Colloq. Black eye.