Of voice, sound: Of a sharp high-pitched piercing tone.

= shrill, adj. Obsolete exc. dialect.

Of the voice, gaze, attention, ‘nerves’, etc.: exerted by an abnormal effort or to an abnormal degree. Of look or expression: showing signs of…

High-pitched; high or sharp in tone; shrill.

uttered with effort.

= shrill, adj.

Of a voice: high, treble; shrill. Obsolete.

Of voice, sound: Harsh, shrill, grating.

Music. = falsetto, n. compounds. Obsolete.

Of a passion: Strained, intensified. Of the voice: Strained. Obsolete.

Piping, shrill. Cf. pipe, v.1 5.

attributive.

Given to or characterized by screeching; loud, harsh, and piercing.

= stridulous, adj.

In extended use. Of the voice: high-pitched. Obsolete. rare.

Of music, writing, etc.: concise and controlled.