Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - shrill

 I. verb  Etymology: Middle English; probably akin to Old English scrallettan to resound loudly — more at skirl  Date: 13th century  transitive verb scream  intransitive verb to utter or emit an acute piercing sound  II. adjective  Date: 14th century  1.  a. having or emitting a sharp high-pitched tone or sound ; piercing  b. accompanied by sharp high-pitched sounds or cries ~ gaiety  2. having a sharp or vivid effect on the senses ~ light  3. strident, intemperate ~ anger ~ criticism  • ~ adverb  • ~ness noun  • ~y adverb  III. noun  Date: 1589 a ~ sound the ~ of the ship's whistle