Hypertext Webster Gateway: "hiccough"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Hiccough \Hic"cough\ (?; 277), n. [OE. hickup, hicket, hickock;
prob. of imitative origin; cf. D. & Dan. hik, Sw. hicka,
Armor. hak, hik, W. ig, F. hoquet.] (Physiol.)
A modified respiratory movement; a spasmodic inspiration,
consisting of a sudden contraction of the diaphragm,
accompanied with closure of the glottis, so that further
entrance of air is prevented, while the impulse of the column
of air entering and striking upon the closed glottis produces
a sound, or hiccough. [Written also {hickup} or hiccup.]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Hiccough \Hic"cough\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Hiccoughed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Hiccoughing}.]
To have a hiccough or hiccoughs.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
hiccough
n : (usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the
diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis
producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of
indigestion; "how do you cure the hiccups?" [syn: {hiccup},
{singultus}]
v : breathe spasmodically, and make a sound; "When you have to
hiccup, drink a glass of cold water" [syn: {hiccup}]
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