n. & v.
--n.
1. a a short shrill cry as of a mouse. b a slight high-pitched sound as of an unoiled hinge.
2 (also narrow squeak) a narrow escape, a success barely attained.
--v.
1. intr. make a squeak.
2 tr. utter (words) shrilly.
3 intr. (foll. by by, through) colloq. pass narrowly.
4 intr. sl. turn informer.
Etymology: ME, imit.: cf. SQUEAL, SHRIEK, and Sw. skv{auml}ka croak