— creakingly , adv.
/kreek/ , v.i.
1. to make a sharp, harsh, grating, or squeaking sound.
2. to move with creaking.
v.t.
3. to cause to creak.
n.
4. a creaking sound.
[ 1275-1325; ME creken to croak, appar. back formation from OE craecettan, var. of CRACETTAN to CROAK ]