int. [Irish. (Farquhar was of Irish birth.)] An expletive expressing emotion or excitement, common in Anglo-Irish speech.
1705. Farquhar, Twin Rivals, III. ii. Arah, you Fool, ish it not the saam ting? Ibid. (1707), Beaux Strat., V. ii. Arra Honeys, a clear Caase.
1753. Smollett, Ct. Fathom (1784), 119. Upon which he bade me turn out. ‘Arra, for what?’ said I.
1820. Combe (Dr. Syntax), Consol., II. 157. Arrah, my Dears, it does confound me.
