hillo, hilloa, int. (n.)
(ˈhɪləʊ, hɪˈləʊ)
[Cf. hallo; see also hilla.]
A call used to hail a distant or occupied person; now, more often, to express surprise at an unexpected meeting.
| 1602 Shakes. Ham. i. v. 115 Hor. Illo, ho, ho, my Lord! Ham. Hillo, ho, ho, boy; come bird, come. 1751 Smollett Per. Pic. (1779) I. ii. 12 The publican..rebellowed in the same tone..‘Hilloah’. 1826 Disraeli Viv. Grey vi. ii, ‘Hilloa, within!’ shouted Essper. 1873 Black Pr. Thule xix, ‘Hillo, Lavender!’ he said, in a tone of surprise. |
b. n. As a name for this call.
| 1823 Byron Island ii. xviii, And then a pause, and then a hoarse ‘Hillo!’ |