The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Hue \Hue\, n. [OE. hue, huer, to hoot, shout, prob. fr. OF. hu
   an exclamation.]
   A shouting or vociferation.
   [1913 Webster]

   Hue and cry (Law), a loud outcry with which felons were
      anciently pursued, and which all who heard it were obliged
      to take up, joining in the pursuit till the malefactor was
      taken; in later usage, a written proclamation issued on
      the escape of a felon from prison, requiring all persons
      to aid in retaking him. --Burrill.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

hue and cry
    n 1: loud and persistent outcry from many people; "he ignored
         the clamor of the crowd" [syn: clamor, clamoring,
         clamour, clamouring, hue and cry]