half shell
- either of the halves of a double-shelled creature, as of an oyster, clam, or other bivalve mollusk.
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Origin of half shell
An Americanism dating back to 1855–60
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for half shell
Historical Examples
Oysters on the half-shell and bouillon served in cups are the first two courses.
Social LifeMaud C. Cooke
So Bannertail had grub on the half-shell and nuts on the side for his first course.
BannertailErnest Thompson Seton
The subject for anatomical study is then prepared "upon the half-shell."
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tideAugusta Foote Arnold
So with their relish of humor; they must hav it on the half-shell with cayenne.
Josh Billings on IceHenry Wheeler Shaw
On this principle, an oyster on the half-shell might be called an Entomostracan.
Through a MicroscopeSamuel Wells