Definition of: wail

(wāl) v.t. & v.i.
To grieve with mournful cries; lament; cry out in sorrow.
—noun A prolonged, high–pitched sound of lamentation; a shrill moan of grief; also, any mournful sound, as of the wind. ♦ Homophone: wale. [<ON vǣla wail <vǣ, vei woe]
—wail′er noun