Definition of "caterwauling"

VVhy, here is nothing in the vvorld in this houſe but catter-vvavvling from morning till night, nothing but catter-vvavvling. Hoity toity! vvho have vve here?

1762 December 8 (first performance), published 1763, Act II, scene ii, page 26

Now, I like a good tune what is a tune; but them caterwaulings and dirges that that chap Gray plays on that fiddle of his—gorry, Mr. Smith, I'd rather hear the old barn door at home squeak any day.

1918, Eleanor H. Porter, Oh, Money! Money!