from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[1913 Webster]