Английский Этимологический словарь - shiver (n.)

- "small piece," 12c., probably related to M.L.G. schever, schiver "splinter," from P.Gmc. *skif- "split." Chiefly in phrases to shivers and shiver me timbers, "a mock oath attributed in comic fiction to sailors." [O.E.D.] Also, shiver is still dial. for "splinter (n.)" in Norfolk and Lincolnshire.