Dictionary entry

Cue

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Cue (kū), n. [OF. coue, coe, F. queue, fr. L. coda, cauda, tail. Cf. Caudal, Coward, Queue.] 1. The tail; the end of a thing; especially, a tail-like twist of hair worn at the back of the head; a queue.

2. The last words of a play actor's speech, serving as an intimation for the next succeeding player to speak; any word or words which serve to remind a player to speak or to do something; a catchword.

When my cue comes, call me, and I will answer.

Shak.

3. A hint or intimation.

Give them their cue to attend in two lines as he leaves the house.

Swift.

4. The part one has to perform in, or as in, a play.

Were it my cueto fight, I should have known it

Without a prompter.

Shak.

5. Humor; temper of mind. Dickens.

6. A straight tapering rod used to impel the balls in playing billiards.