int. [repr. an exclamation of instinctive origin; ME. had EY; the mod. spelling may be after Fr. eh, though it might have suggested itself independently.]
1. An ejaculation of sorrow. Cf. AH 1.
1567. Triall Treas., in Hazl., Dodsley, III. 281. Eh, they have used me with too much villainy.
2. An interjectional interrogative particle; often inviting assent to the sentiment expressed.
1773. Goldsm., Stoops to Conq., II. i. Wasn’t it lucky, eh?
1816. ‘Quiz,’ Grand Master, VI. 132. What have I brought you here for—eh?
1859. Capern, Ballads & Songs, 68. Jesse Gay, Jesse Gay, You are joking, Jesse, eh?
1867. E. Waugh, Owd Blanket, iii. 61 (Lanc. Gloss.). Eh, iv that blanket could talk, Ailse, it could oather make folk laugh or cry!
1870. B. Brierley, Bundle o’ Fents, i. 31 (Lanc. Gloss.). ‘Eh, whatever is ther’ t’ do?’ hoo shrikt eawt.
Hence Eh v. intr., to say ‘Eh!’
1824. Scott, Redgauntlet, vii. The former ha’d, eh’d.
