The requirement of all members of a village to pursue a criminal with horn and voice. It is a duty of any person discovering a felony to raise the hue and cry and his neighbors are bound to assist him in pursuit and capture of the offender. (MEDIEV-L. Medieval Terms) Outcry alerting others to pursue a criminal. (Bennett, Judith M. Women in the Medieval English Countryside, 234) Noisy pursuit of criminals, as a legal duty falling upon local communities. (Frame, Robin. Colonial Ireland, 1169-1369, 144) Criminal apprehension system by which all within earshot were required to give chase to the malefactor. (Gies, Frances and Joseph. Life in a Medieval Village, 245)

loud and persistent outcry from many people; "he ignored the clamor of the crowd"

The traditional obligation of householders to chase after and apprehend anyone who had committed a felony.

a beautiful sound