the first three letters of the name Jesus in Greek (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ), often used as a Christian emblem
IHS in American English
a contraction derived from the Greek word ΙΗΣΟΥΣ, Jesus, used as a symbol or monogram: later misunderstood as a Latin abbreviation I.H.S. and expanded variously as Iesus Hominum Salvator, Jesus, Savior of Men; In Hoc Signo (Vinces), in this sign (thou shalt conquer); In Hac (Cruce) Salus, in this (cross) salvation
Word origin
< L miscopying of IHΣ, for which the proper L form would be IES