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.
Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town.
--Dryden.
{Shriek owl}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The screech owl.
(b) The swift; -- so called from its cry.