Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Screech \Screech\ (skr[=e]ch), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Screeched};
   p. pr. & vb. n. {Screeching}.] [Also formerly, scritch, OE.
   skriken, skrichen, schriken, of Scand. origin; cf. Icel.
   skr[ae]kja to shriek, to screech, skr[imac]kja to titter, Sw.
   skrika to shriek, Dan. skrige; also Gael. sgreach, sgreuch,
   W. ysgrechio, Skr. kharj to creak. Cf. {Shriek}, v.,
   {Scream}, v.]
   To utter a harsh, shrill cry; to make a sharp outcry, as in
   terror or acute pain; to scream; to shriek. ``The screech
   owl, screeching loud.'' --Shak.