Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
BLEAT
I. verb see: bellow Date: before 12th century intransitive verb
1. to make the natural cry of a sheep or goat, whimper ,
2. to talk complainingly or with a whine, blather , transitive verb to utter in a bleating manner, bleater noun
II. noun
Date: circa 1505
the cry of a sheep or goat, a feeble outcry, protest, or complaint