What is keening definition?

Keening is a traditional form of vocal lamentation or mourning that is typically performed by women in Celtic and Gaelic cultures. It is a form of expression and a way to grieve for the dead, usually at funerals and wakes. In keening, women sing or chant a lament in a high-pitched, wailing tone, expressing sorrow, grief, and emotional pain. Keening may include specific references to the deceased person and their life, or it may be more general. It can serve as a communal catharsis for the mourners and helps them to process their loss. Keening has a long history and is still practiced in some parts of Ireland, Scotland, and Canada, although it is becoming increasingly rare.