HICK'UP, noun [The English is a compound of hic and cough; and hic may be allied to hitch, to catch. The word is generally pronounced hick-up.] A spasmodic affection of the stomach, esophagus, and muscles subservient to deglutition. Convulsive catch of the respiratory muscles, with sonorous inspiration; repeated at short intervals. HIC'COUGH HICK'UP, verb intransitive To have a spasmodic affection of the stomach from repletion or other cause.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI