Hew

Source : Wright, Joseph English Dialect Dictionary web : https://eddonline4-proj.uibk.ac.at/edd/main.html

HEW, v.2 Dev. Cor. Also written hu- Dev. Cor.1 Cor.2 To make signals from the cliffs to the fishermen in their boats to let them know in what direction the pilchards are. Wearne and he was out upon the cliffs waun day, a hewing, Tregellas Tales (1865) 126; Cor.1 Hence (1) Hewer, sb. a person who makes signals from the cliffs; (2) Hewing-house, sb. a shed, gen. on the highest cliff, to shelter the ‘hewer.’ (1) Dev. Reports Provinc. (1886) 96. Cor. The more general and successful method of enclosing fish is for the seine boats to receive their signals from a man called a ‘huer,’ stationed on the top of the nearest cliff, who, from this vantage ground, can have a much clearer sight of the fish. The huer has a furze bush or other signal in each hand, and by preconcerted movements can accurately guide the boats below, Buckland Fishes (1880) 165; Cor.1 Cor.2 (2) Cor.1 [It shall... be lawfull... for euery such watchmen, balcors, huors, condors, directors and guidors... to balke, hue, conde, direct and guide the fishermen which shall be vpon the said sea and sea coasts, Act 1 James I (1603) c. 23. OFr. huer, ‘crier’ (La Curne).]