A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Ho, interj. Also: hoo. [ME. ho, hoo (14th c., e.m.E. also hoa. hoe), OF. ho.] A call to stop, desist; to cry ho, to call a halt (usually fig.) —1513 Doug. iii. vi. 52.
Juno Forbyddis Helenus to speik it, and cryis, ho! 1535 Stewart 2328.
Auerice that no tyme will cry ho a1568 Bann. MS. 267 a/34.
Quhen the riche for sufficience sayis ho a1586 Lindsay MS. 7.
The juge … as he seyis the battale ga at his awin plesance cry hoo a1651 Calderwood VII. 628.
As we use to say to a proverbe, ‘The king bids saile, but the wind cryes, Ho!’
