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.
Phrases and idioms:
howl down prevent (a speaker) from being heard by howls of derision.
Etymology: ME houle (v.), prob. imit.: cf. OWL