n. & v.
--n. a harsh high-pitched scream.
--v.tr. & intr. utter with or make a screech.
Phrases and idioms:
screech-owl any owl that screeches instead of hooting, esp. a barn-owl or a small American owl, Otus asio.
Derivatives:
screecher n. screechy adj. (screechier, screechiest).
Etymology: 16th-c. var. of ME scritch (imit.)