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Clue 19 across in Grid A is 'Excuse short boisterous cry from Hamlet (3)' The answer give is 'hoo', but I do not see this completely. The explanation given is 'hoo(k)', indicating that a k is to be removed from the end of 'hook' but why? Does this word for boisterous cry occur in Hamlet?
I would be grateful for any help. Roger

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The only explanation I can think of is that Hook is the name of a small hamlet in Hampshire

According to Chambers, Hoo is a Shakespearean interjection expressing boisterous emotion.

I know there are lots of interjections in Hamlet such as Stand,ho!, Lo!, What ho!, ha! and the like.

I have the whole text of Hamlet on my Favourites and often read scenes that I like, so if I come across it I will let you know.

One of the definitions of hook in Chambers is: "an excuse or pretext (slang)"

Thank you so much Peterm for your helpful answer. Just what I needed, unlike an early pompous reply. I had looked in my Chambers dictionary for meanings of hook, but it was not the up-to-date one and was not there. Thanks again to all those that replied. Roger

The previous posting under my name was not sent by me. More "flamebaiting" going on. Probably the usual suspects. Get a life.

Nothing is ever my fault. Anybody who disagrees with me about anything is a bully as I proved the last time.

The previous posting under "turast" was again not sent by me, and yes, you are a bully and a snivelling coward, whoever you are.