SCREECH, verb intransitive [See Screak and Shriek.] 1. To cry out with a sharp shrill voice; to utter a sudden shrill cry, as in terror or acute pain; to scream; to shriek. 2. To utter a sharp cry, as an owl; thence called screech-owl. SCREECH, noun 1. A sharp shrill cry uttered in acute pain, or in a sudden fright. 2. A harsh shrill cry, as of a fowl.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI