shek·el 
(shĕkəl)
(shĕkəl)n.
1.
a. Any of several ancient units of weight, especially a Hebrew unit equal to about a half ounce.
b. A gold or silver coin equal in weight to one of these units, especially the chief silver coin of the ancient Hebrews.
c. Variant of sheqel.
2. Slang
a. A coin.
b. shekels Money.
[Hebrew šeqel, from šāqal, to weigh; see ṯql in the Appendix of Semitic roots.]