Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

A tune played on the horn very early in the morning to call out the hunters; hence, any arousing sound or call.

[Obs.]

Shak.

Time plays the

hunt’s-up

to thy sleepy head.

Drayton.

hunt 's-up ‎(plural hunt's-ups)

(obsolete) A tune played on the horn very early in the morning to call out the hunters; hence, any rousing sound or call.

Time plays the hunt's-up to thy sleepy head. — Drayton.

(Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)