Growl, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Growled; p. pr. & vb. e. Growling.]
Etymology: [D. grollen to grunt, murmur, be angry; akin to G. grollen to be angry.]
To utter a deep guttural sound, sa an angry dog; to give forth an angry, grumbling sound. Gay.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Growl, v. t.
To express by growling. Thomson.
Growl, n.
The deep, threatening sound made by a surly dog; a grumbling sound.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for growl; he lists it under complain.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.