Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Shriek \Shriek\, n.
   A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as
   is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.

         Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town.
                                                  --Dryden.

   {Shriek owl}. (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) The screech owl.
   (b) The swift; -- so called from its cry.