"honest shilling" Definition

Definitions for the word "honest shilling" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. slang
a shilling earned by a process actually immoral, but not positively illegal. The money earned by a prostitute is said to be honest, as distinguished from that obtained by a thief. Probably from the story of the converted burglar, who determined to sin no more himself, and who lectured against dishonesty, but sent his wife out regularly every evening with instructions to earn an HONEST SHILLING.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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