from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hiccough \Hic"cough\ (?; 277), n. [OE. hickup, hicket, hickock;
prob. of imitative origin; cf. D. & Dan. hik, Sw. hicka,
Armor. hak, hik, W. ig, F. hoquet.] (Physiol.)
A modified respiratory movement; a spasmodic inspiration,
consisting of a sudden contraction of the diaphragm,
accompanied with closure of the glottis, so that further
entrance of air is prevented, while the impulse of the column
of air entering and striking upon the closed glottis produces
a sound, or hiccough. [Written also {hickup} or hiccup.]
[1913 Webster]