Shriek \Shriek\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Shrieked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Shrieking}.] [OE. shriken, originallythe same word as E.
   screech. See {Screech}, and cf. {Screak}.]
   To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds
   and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or
   anguish.
   
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         It was the owl that shrieked.            --Shak.
   
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         At this she shrieked aloud; the mournful train
         Echoed her grief.                        --Dryden.
   
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Shriek \Shriek\, v. t.
   To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or
   shrieks.
   
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         On top whereof aye dwelt the ghostly owl,
         Shrieking his baleful note.              --Spenser.
   
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         She shrieked his name
         To the dark woods.                       --Moore.
   
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Shriek \Shriek\, n.
   A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as
   is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.
   
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         Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town.
                                                  --Dryden.
   
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   {Shriek owl}. (Zool.)
   (a) The screech owl.
   (b) The swift; -- so called from its cry.
       
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