hoast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ObsoleteArchaic / Dialectal / Literary / Historical
Quick answer
What does “hoast” mean?
An old dialectal or Scots term for a cough, particularly a dry or persistent one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An old dialectal or Scots term for a cough, particularly a dry or persistent one.
The word can also be used as a verb meaning 'to cough', especially in a hoarse or husky manner. It is sometimes used figuratively to describe a sound resembling a cough, like an engine starting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is recognized as a Scots/Northern English dialect term and may appear in regional literature. In American English, it is virtually unknown outside of specialized historical or etymological contexts.
Connotations
In British regional use, it has a rustic, earthy connotation. In broader use, it carries an archaic, almost medieval feel.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts due to Scots influence.
Grammar
How to Use “hoast” in a Sentence
to hoast (intransitive verb)to have a hoast (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The auld man would hoast into his handkerchief every morning.
- The car's engine hoasted into life.
American English
- [Rare. Would be: The old man began to hoast in the dusty attic.]
adverb
British English
- [Not used]
American English
- [Not used]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard. Possible archaic: 'hoasty' meaning hoarse/coughing.]
American English
- [Not used]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or studies of Scots/English dialects.
Everyday
Not used in standard everyday English.
Technical
Not used in modern medical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoast”
- Using it in modern medical writing.
- Spelling it as 'host' in this context.
- Assuming it is widely understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an archaic and dialectal word, primarily Scots and Northern English, meaning 'cough'. It is not part of modern standard English.
Only if you are writing in a specific dialect (like Scots) or aiming for an archaic/historical literary effect. For standard modern English, always use 'cough'.
It comes from Middle English 'host' or 'hoost', related to Old Norse 'hósta', meaning to cough. It shares the same Germanic root as the modern word 'cough'.
It is a coincidence of pronunciation. 'Hoast' (cough) and 'ghost' (spirit) have completely different etymological origins and meanings.
An old dialectal or Scots term for a cough, particularly a dry or persistent one.
Hoast is usually archaic / dialectal / literary / historical in register.
Hoast: in British English it is pronounced /həʊst/, and in American English it is pronounced /hoʊst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None in modern usage. Historical/Scots: 'to die of the hoast' = to die of a chest illness]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ghost (sounds like 'hoast') with a bad cough haunting an old castle.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLNESS IS A BURDEN (to carry a hoast); SOUND IS A LIVING ENTITY (the engine hoasted).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'hoast' be MOST appropriately used today?