[General] hold one’s noise

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be so kind to share with me your opinion about the interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentences?

“Come! Hold your tongue!” she cried in sharp reproof…. “I wish you’d hold your noise!” (Ch. Dickens, “Martin Chuzzlewit”)

“Can I have my tea, mother?” Thou have more than that!” shouted Morel. “Hold your noise, man,” said Mrs. Morel, “and don’t look so ridiculous.” (D. H. Lawrence, “Sons and Lovers”)

hold one’s noise = shut up, hold your jaw, stop shouting,

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

 

[Masood_S]

I think "hold one’s noise" simply means "to be quiet". It does sound literary and old-fashioned.

 

[mykwyner]

In addition to telling the other person to be quiet, "Hold your noise," has the additional meaning of telling that person that what he is saying has no more value than noise.