squawk

Meanings

1. A shrill noise, especially made by a voice or bird. If made by a bird, it typically signals discomfort or anger; a yell, scream, or call.
2. A four-digit transponder code used by aircraft for identification or transmission of emergency signals.
3. A complaint or objection.
4. An issue or complaint related to aircraft maintenance.
5. The American night heron.
6. A warning message indicating a possible error.

1. To make a squawking noise; to yell, scream, or call out shrilly.
2. To speak out; to protest.
3. To report an infraction; to rat on or tattle; to disclose a secret.
4. To produce a warning message, indicating a possible error.
5. To set or transmit a four-digit transponder code. (Normally followed by the specific code in question.)
6. To back out in a mean way.

Etymology

First attested in 1821. Unknown, but probably of imitative origin (compare dialectal Italian squacco (“small-crested heron”) and English quack).