Definition of hue and cry

< Hue

hued >

hue and cry

NOUN:

1. A public clamor, as of protest or demand: raised a great hue and cry about political corruption.
2. 1. The pursuit of a felon announced with loud shouts to alert others who were then legally obliged to give chase.
   2. The loud outcry formerly used in such a pursuit.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English hew and cri, partial translation of Anglo-Norman hu e cri : hu, outcry, clamor (from Old French huer, to shout, of imitative origin) + e, and + cri, cry (from Old French crier, to cry; see cry)