[shrill] vb [ME; prob. akin to OE scrallettan to resound loudly--more at skirl] vt (13c): scream ~ vi: to utter or emit an acute piercing sound
[2]shrill adj (14c) 1 a: having or emitting a sharp high-pitched tone or sound: piercing b: accompanied by sharp high-pitched sounds or cries "~ gaiety"
2: having a sharp or vivid effect on the senses "~ light"
3: strident, intemperate "~ anger" "~ criticism" -- shrill adv -- shrill.ness n -- shril.ly adv [3]shrill n (1591): a shrill sound "the ~ of the ship's whistle"