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Hue-and-cry definition

A public clamor, as of protest or demand.

Raised a great hue and cry about political corruption.

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The pursuit of a felon announced with loud shouts to alert others who were then legally obliged to give chase.
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The loud outcry formerly used in such a pursuit.
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(historical) The public pursuit of a felon; accompanied by shouts to warn others to give chase.
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(by extension) A loud and persistent public clamour; especially one of protest or making some demand.
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
hue-and-cry
Plural:
hue and cries, hues and cries

Origin of hue-and-cry

  • 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 cry)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From the Anglo-Norman legal phrase hu e cri.

    From Wiktionary

Hue-and-cry Sentence Examples

  • If it was available south of the border, that would raise a hue and cry.

  • The hue and cry of the critics largely died away, and was replaced by a calmer and juster appreciation.

  • And when they run over a man that is walking in his sleep, a supernumerary sleeper in the wrong position, and wake him up, they suddenly stop the cars, and make a hue and cry about it, as if this were an exception.

  • The hue and cry was out against him; henceforth he led a hunted life, preaching and ministering to Catholics in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Lancashire.

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