What is "whinings"

Usage examples of "whinings".

Since there was no breeze tonight, the usual creakings and whinings of the Sargasso were absent.

But when the older man whistled once and a double squad of matchlock-armed marines, the matches smoking-ready in the cocks, came trotting into view, the Roman backed off with the whinings of a kicked cur, whilst his own pikemen laughed behind their hands at his cowardice and discomfiture.