What is "keening"

1. sharp, shrill, especially of a sound. n. 1 Intense mournful wailing after a death, often at a funeral or wake 2 (by extension) An unpleasant sound. v

2. (present participle of keen English)

Keening is a traditional form of vocal lament for the dead. In Ireland and Scotland it is customary for women to wail or keen at funerals. Keening has also been used as part of civil disobedience and protest.