The wailing of cats in the night-time; and hence, any ludicrous, disagreeable noise that resembles it.
What a caterwauling you do keep here! If my lady has not called up her stewart Malvolio, and bid him turn you out of doors, never trust me.--Shakspeare, Twelfth Night.
It indeed appeared a little odd to me, to see so many persons of quality of both sexes, assembled together at a kind of caterwauling; for I cannot look upon the performance to have been anything better, whatever the musicians themselves might think of it.--Spectator, No. 361.
Yes, gentlemen, as the eagle is the proud representative of this great nation, so is Mr. Van Buren the proud representative of the Democracy. (Cheers, groans, and caterwaulings.)--Report of Speech, N. Y. Herald.