▪ I. ˈsquealing, vbl. n.
[f. squeal v.]
The action of the verb, in various senses.
| c 1325 Metr. Hom. 167 For quen the childe es born, sal I Do it of daw sa priuely, That na wiht sal the squeling here. a 1400–50 Alexander 4112 For with þe sweling of þe swyne we sall þaim all voide. 1596 Shakes. Merch. V. ii. v. 30 The vile squealing of the wry-neckt Fife. c 1680 in Verney Mem. (1907) II. 321 There was fine squeeking and squeeling for a minute or two. 1791 Huddesford Salmagundi 123 Upon a trestle Pig was laid And a sad squealing sure It made. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. i. ii. ii, The cries, the squealings of children, of infirm persons, and other assistants. 1878 Black Green Past. xvi, They heard the squealing of a young cock outside. |
▪ II. ˈsquealing, ppl. a.
[f. as prec.]
1. That utters or emits squeals; screaming.
| a 1300 Cursor M. 5626 Þe kings doghter..sagh þe vessel on þe flodd;..A squeland child þer-in sco fand. c 1375 Sc. Leg. Saints xvi. (Magdalene) 484 To þis squeland barne ȝe [suld] spare. 1642 J. Ball Answ. to Can i. 143 Cathed. Churches..where..Singing men,..Squealing Choristers, Organ-Players,..&c. live in great idlenesse. 1689 R. Cox Hibernia Angl. i. Apparatus l 1 b, A Bagpipe, which is a squealing Engine, fit only for a Bear-Garden. 1709 Steele Tatler No. 15 ¶2 She pinch'd me, and called me squealing Chit. 1879 Geo. Eliot Theo. Such ii. 35 A small squealing black pig. 1897 M. Kingsley W. Africa 586 A terrific rain-storm..accompanied by a squealing, bitter cold wind. |
b. squealing hawk: (see quot.).
| 1884 Harper's Mag. March 622 The red-tailed hawk..by some is called the squealing hawk. |
2. Of the nature of a squeal.
| 1879 Jefferies Wild Life 338 Now and then a peculiar squealing sound may be heard proceeding from the grass. 1899 Allbutt's Syst. Med. VII. 506 Peculiar squealing cry. |