keening

[ kee-ning ]

/ ˈki nɪŋ /

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Definition of keening

noun

the act of a person who keens.

a wailing lament for the dead; keen.

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First recorded in 1875–80; keen² + -ing¹

How many hours of keening sports commentary would be unleashed, from fans and performatively enraged pundits alike, about not sacrificing for the greater good and the promise of glory.
The NFL’s COVID Plan Pisses Off Anti-Vaccine Players—but It Just Might Work|Robert Silverman|July 23, 2021|The Daily Beast
She crinkles her brow and then, on cue, she emits a keening howl.
When An Adopted Child Won’t Attach|Tina Traster|May 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But nothing they essayed could fully drown out the keening of their lust to return to high office.
Tony Blair May Be Planning a Political Comeback but in What Role It’s Hard to Imagine|Peter Popham|May 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST
A wounded woman sat keening on the ground, clasping the body of her dead child in her arms.
David's Book Club 1861: The Civil War Awakening|David Frum|February 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST

It rose again a few seconds later as if baffled, but it continued to hover at that point, keening forth its warning.
Star Born|Andre Norton
I watched the tracking screen, listened to the high keening noises coming from the receivers.
What Need of Man?|Harold Calin
Keening in from the lake, the wind made him stagger backwards.
The Spell of the White Sturgeon|James Arthur Kjelgaard
The neighbours keening along with me would be better to me than an estate.
Seven Short Plays|Lady Gregory
"It is the wild Irish women keening over their dead," he remarked, with perfect unconcern.
Guy Livingstone;|George A. Lawrence