▪ I. hech, int. Sc.
(hɛx, hɛ{cced})
[Sc. form of heigh.]
An exclamation expressive of various feelings, chiefly of surprise, sorrow, or fatigue.
| 1777–1808 J. Mayne Siller Gun i. 113 Hech, sirs! what crowds were gather'd roun'. 1816 Scott Antiq. xliv, Hech, sirs! guide us a'! to burn the engines? that's a great waste. 1823 W. Tennant Cdl. Beaton 171 (Jam.) Hech, man! is that possible? 1871 C. Gibbon Lack of Gold i, Hech, sirs, but it's a sorry thing to come to this pass. |
Hence hech v., to utter the exclamation hech!
| c 1750 Mary Hamilton xiii. in Child Ballads (1889) III. vi. clxxiii. 392 Monie a lady fair Siching and crying, Och how!.. What need ye hech and how, ladies? What need ye how for me? |
▪ II. hech
Sc. var. high a.
▪ III. hech
obs. form of each.
| 1297 R. Glouc. (1724) 240 Seynt Peter..tormented hym sore ynou, þat hech lyme hym oke. |