What is pillow sham - The dictionary meaning of sham is “False " or " Falsely representation of something". So the pillow sham is generally a pillowcase with a false or tricky front. Developed in the early 1700s a pillow sham is made to create the pillowcases more beautiful and Decorative for the beds. https://www.aanyalinen.com/blogs/aanya-blog/what-is-pillow-sham