ring-a-lievio

[ ring-uh-lee-vee-oh ]

noun

1. a game played usually between two teams in which the members of one team attempt to find, capture, and imprison the members of the other, who can be freed only by a teammate not yet captured.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ring-a-lievio¹

1900–05; variant of ring relievo, perhaps relieve + -o

Example Sentences

Should this be accomplished, the rescuer calls "Ring-a-lievio!" as he dashes through the den, and both run for safety.

From Project Gutenberg