Hue \Hue\, n. [OE. hue, huer, to hoot, shout, prob. fr. OF. hu
an exclamation.]
A shouting or vociferation.
Hue and cry (Law), a loud outcry with which felons were
anciently pursued, and which all who heard it were obliged
to take up, joining in the pursuit till the malefactor was
taken; in later usage, a written proclamation issued on
the escape of a felon from prison, requiring all persons
to aid in retaking him. --Burrill.
From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
HUE AND CRY, Eng. law. A mode of pursuing felons, or such as have
dangerously wounded any person, or assaulted any one with intent to rob him,
by the constable, for the purpose of arresting the offender. 2 Hale, P. C.
100.