- shiver (v.)
- "shake," c.1400, alteration of chiveren (c.1200), of uncertain origin, perhaps from O.E. ceafl "jaw," on notion of chattering teeth. Spelling change of ch- to sh- is probably from influence of shake.
- shiver (n.)
- "small piece," c.1200, probably related to M.L.G. schever, schiver "splinter," from P.Gmc. *skif- "split" (cf. O.H.G. skivaro, Ger. Schiefer "splinter, slate"). The verb, "to break in or into pieces" is attested from c.1200. Chiefly in phrases to shivers and shiver me timbers (1835), "a mock oath attributed in comic fiction to sailors" [OED]. My timbers! as a nautical oath is attested from 1789 (see timber). Also, shiver is still dial. for "splinter (n.)" in Norfolk and Lincolnshire.