caterwaul

English

/ˈkæt.ə.wɔːl/, /ˈkæt.ɚ.wɔl/, /ˈkæt.ɚ.wɑl/

verb
Definitions
  • (intransitive) To cry as cats in heat; to make a harsh, offensive noise.
  • (intransitive) To have a noisy argument, like cats.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English caterwrawen compound from English cat (former derogatory term for a person) + English waul.

Origin

English

waul

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms