Squeak (?), v. i. [imp.& p. p. Squaked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Squeaking.] [Probably of imitative origin; cf. Sw. sqvaka to croak, Icel. skvakka to give a sound as of water shaken in a bottle.]

1.

To utter a sharp, shrill cry, usually of short duration; to cry with an acute tone, as an animal; or, to make a sharp, disagreeable noise, as a pipe or quill, a wagon wheel, a door; to creak.

Who can endure to hear one of the rough old Romans squeaking through the mouth of an eunuch? Addison.

Zoilus calls the companions of Ulysses the "squeaking pigs" of Homer. Pope.

2.

To break silence or secrecy for fear of pain or punishment; to speak; to confess.

[Colloq.] <-- = squeal? See below. in MW10, they are synonyms -->

If he be obstinate, put a civil question to him upon the rack, and he squeaks, I warrant him. Dryden.

 

© Webster 1913.


Squeak, n.

A sharp, shrill, disagreeable sound suddenly utered, either of the human voice or of any animal or instrument, such as is made by carriage wheels when dry, by the soles of leather shoes, or by a pipe or reed.

 

© Webster 1913.

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