singultus n.

a Latin word meaning "a sob; a hiccup; a speech broken by sobs," of uncertain origin or connections. It has been taken in English at different times with the meanings "fit of gasping or convulsive breathing" (early 15c., singult, Chauliac), "a sob" (1580s), "a hiccup" (1754). Related: Singultient; singultous.