■ verb ( cries , ~ing , cried )
1》 shed tears.
2》 shout or scream loudly.
↘(of a hawker) proclaim (wares) for sale.
3》 (of a bird or other animal) make a loud characteristic call.
4》 ( ~ out for ) demand as a self-evident requirement or solution: the scheme is ~ing out for reform.
5》 ( ~ off ) informal go back on a promise or fail to keep to an arrangement.
6》 ( ~ someone/thing up or down ) dated disparage (or praise) someone or something.
■ noun ( plural cries )
1》 a loud shout or scream.
↘an urgent appeal or entreaty.
2》 a spell of weeping.
3》 a distinctive call of a bird or other animal.
Phrases
~ for the moon ask for what is unattainable or impossible.
for ~ing out loud informal used to express irritation or impatience.
Origin
ME: from OFr. crier (v.), cri (n.), from L. quiritare 'raise a public out~', lit. 'call on the Quirites (Roman citizens) for help'.