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

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/trail/wars_conflict/soldiers/soldier_trade_in_world_fact_file.shtml#2