yo-heave-ho, int. (n.)
(ˈjəʊˈhiːvˈhəʊ)
Also -oh, -o; yeo-heave-o', -yeo.
[See yo int. and heave ho.]
An exclamation of sailors when hauling at a rope or a capstan, heaving an anchor up, etc. Hence yo-heave-hoing vbl. n.
| 1803 Dibdin Songs II. 254 To the windlass let us go, With yo heave ho! 1840 R. H. Dana Bef. Mast xv, Yo, heave ho! Heave and pawl! Heave hearty ho! 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Yeo-heave-yeoing, the chant or noise made at the windlass and purchase-falls in a merchantman, to cheer and lighten labour, but not permitted in a man-of-war. 1872 Lowell Milton Wks. 1890 IV. 102 He offers a striking contrast with Wordsworth, who has to go through with a great deal of yo-heave-ohing before he gets under way. 1883 S. Ferguson Forging of Anchor v, Our Anchor soon must change the lay of merry craftsmen here, For the Yeo-heave-o', and the Heave-away, and the sighing seaman's cheer. |