n. & v.
n. 1 a long loud doleful cry uttered by a dog, wolf, etc. 2 a prolonged wailing noise, e.g. as made by a strong wind. 3 a loud cry of pain or rage. 4 a yell of derision or merriment. 5 Electronics a howling noise in a loudspeaker due to electrical or acoustic feedback.
v. 1 intr. make a howl. 2 intr. weep loudly. 3 tr. utter (words) with a howl. howl down prevent (a speaker) from being heard by howls of derision.
[ ME houle (v.), prob. imit.: cf. OWL ]