v. [f. L. ululāt-, ppl. stem of ululāre (hence It. ululare, Sp., Pg., Pr. ulular, Fr. ululer), of imitative origin: cf. ulula screech-owl.] intr. To howl or wail; to lament loudly.
1623. Cockeram, Vlulate, to howle like a dog or wolfe.
1638. Sir T. Herbert, Trav. (ed. 2), 124. Troopes of Jackalls … all the while ululating and in offensive noises barking and ecchoing out their sacriledge.
1826. Lancet, 59. Poor Sir Peter ululates plaintively as an Irish Benshee over the fate of his College.
1832. Gen. P. Thompson, Exerc. (1842), II. 321. Men must have been sadly beaten, when they ululate in this sort.
1893. ‘Q.’ [Quiller-Couch], Delect. Duchy, 171. The widow so often interrupted the service to ululate that the town clock had struck four when I hurried back.
Hence Ululating ppl. a.
1894. N. Brooks, Tales Maine Coast, 8. Nance Pegs knew the times and seasons of the ululating and melancholy loon.
