Shriek, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Shrieked; p. pr. & vb. n. Shrieking.]
Etymology: [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. It was the owl that shrieked. Shak. At this she shrieked aloud; the mournful train Echoed her grief. Dryden.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Shriek, v. t.
To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or shrieks. On top whereof aye dwelt the ghostly owl, Shrieking his baleful note. Spenser. She shrieked his name To the dark woods. Moore.
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. Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town. Dryden. Shriek owl. (Zoöl.) (a) The screech owl. (b) The swift; -- so called from its cry.