hue and cry

Definition

The public pursuit of a criminal, accompanied by shouts to warn others to give chase.

Etymology

From Middle English heu and cri, from the Anglo-Norman legal phrase hu e cri.

Example Sentences

• "Because he that firſt raiſeth a hue and cry, where no felony is committed, that is, he who giveth the falſe information, is ſeverely puniſhable by fine and impriſonment, if the information be falſe."
• "For the levying of hue and cry, although it is a good course to have a justice's warrant, where time will permit, in order to prevent causeless hue and cry; yet it is not necessary, nor always convenient; for the felon may escape before the warrant be obtained."
• "That in case of a hue and cry once raised and levied upon supposal of a felony committed, though in truth there was no felony committed; yet those, who pursue hue and cry, may arrest and proceed as if a felony had been really committed."