Definition for HIC'COUGH, or HICK'UP

HIC'COUGH, or HICK'UP, n. [Dan. hik or hikken; Sw. hicka; D. hik, hikken; Fr. hoquet; W. ig, igian; Arm. hicq. The English is a compound of hic and cough; and hic may be allied to hitch, to catch. The word is generally pronounced hickup.]

Convulsive catch of the respiratory muscles, with sonorous inspiration; – repeated at short intervals. Good.

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