in the sea-language, an exclamation of answer, to any person who calls to another to ask some question, or to give a particular order. Thus, if the matter intends to give any order to the people in the main-top, he previously calls, Main-top, hooy! to which they answer, Holla! to show that they hear him, and are ready. It is also the first answer in hailing a ship at a distance. See Hailing.