v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. (of a sheep, goat, or calf) make a weak, wavering cry.
2 intr. & tr. (often foll. by out) speak or say feebly, foolishly, or plaintively.
--n.
1. the sound made by a sheep, goat, etc.
2 a weak, plaintive, or foolish cry.
Derivatives:
bleater n. bleatingly adv.
Etymology: OE bl{aelig}tan (imit.)