| 释义 |
hougher|ˈhɒkə(r)|
[f. hough v.1 + -er1.]
1. One who houghs or hamstrings; in Ireland, a member of an association of law-breakers who arose in 1711, and practised the houghing of cattle; afterwards identified with the Whiteboys.
1581Sc. Acts Jas. VI (1597) §110 heading, Sik slayeris and houcheris of Horses and Oxen. 1712Swift Jrnl. to Stella 26 Mar., Your houghers of cattle. 1842S. C. Hall Ireland II. 119 In the course of twenty years the Rapparees were succeeded by the Houghers. 1878Lecky Eng. in 18th C. II. 354 Large rewards were offered for the apprehension of houghers.
2. In Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the name of an inferior officer appointed by the Corporation, called also Whipper and Hougher.
1789Brand Hist. Newcastle II. 365 He is called hougher from the power that he is said to have had formerly of cutting the sinews of the houghs of swine that were found infesting the streets. 1827Brockett s.v., The hougher is the public whipper of criminals, the executioner of felons, in Newcastle—still a regular officer of the town, with a yearly salary of {pstlg}4 6s. 8d. |