half shell

noun

either of the halves of a double-shelled creature, as of an oyster, clam, or other bivalve mollusk.

Origin of half shell

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

At a book party at Johnny's half shell on the Hill, Boehner acknowledged the elephant(s) in the room.
Boehner, Beyond the Pale | Margaret Carlson | October 19, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
The man asked me the number of my room, and I told him, "Hot music on the half-shell for two!"
The Wit and Humor of America, Volume II. (of X.) | Various
Oysters that are to be eaten raw are frequently served on the half shell.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 3 | Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
I should like a rhunossyross on the half shell, or a hippopotamus on toast, or a horse and wagon roasted whole.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward | Charles Farrar Browne (AKA Artemus Ward)
For one I'm going to make up my mouth for fried eggs to-night, unless it's chicken on the half shell.
The Outdoor Chums at Cabin Point | Quincy Allen

When he ordered oysters each half shell had its bed of pearls.
Eugene Field, A Study In Heredity And Contradictions | Slason Thompson

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