hue and cry
hue and cry (idiom)
/ˈhjuː ən kraɪ/
Meaning
- A public clamor or outburst of protest against an issue or action.
- A general uproar or noisy expression of discontent.
- In early English law, a loud outcry raised during the pursuit of a suspected criminal, compelling others to assist in their capture.
Example Sentences
- The government’s new policy sparked a hue and cry from the public, demanding its immediate withdrawal.
- When the company raised prices overnight, there was a hue and cry from outraged customers.
- The media created a hue and cry over the celebrity’s controversial statement.
- A hue and cry erupted in the courtroom when the verdict was announced.
Origin and History
Etymology and Linguistic Roots
The term “hue and cry” originates from the Anglo-French legal phrase “hu e cri.” “Hue” is derived from the Old French “huer,” meaning “to shout,” while “cry” stems from “crier,” also meaning “to cry out.” Together, they encapsulate the act of raising an alarm through loud outcries.
Historical Legal Context
In medieval England, “hue and cry” was a legal mandate compelling citizens to vocally raise an alarm upon witnessing a crime, thereby enlisting the community’s aid in pursuing and apprehending the suspect. This practice was codified in the Statute of Winchester of 1285, which stipulated that the pursuit should continue from town to town until the felon was captured and handed over to the sheriff. Failure to participate without valid reason could result in penalties, reflecting the communal responsibility of law enforcement during that era.
Earliest Recorded Usage
The phrase “hue and cry” first appeared in English texts in the 15th century, maintaining its association with the communal pursuit of criminals. Over time, its application broadened beyond the legal realm to encompass any loud public outcry or protest.
Evolution into Modern Usage
By the 19th century, the literal practice of “hue and cry” had waned, supplanted by organized police forces. However, the term endured in the English language, evolving to describe any widespread public clamor or protest. Notably, from the late 18th century until 1839, “Hue and Cry” served as the title for a London newspaper that published details of crimes and wanted individuals, later becoming known as the Police Gazette.
Variants
- hue-and-cry
- the hue and cry
Share your opinions