the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > unkindness > spite, malice > comment on cattiness [interjection] (2)
Reduplicated as int., implying spite or cattiness in the person addressed. Cf. meow, int. Now rare.
Representing the characteristic cry of a cat. In later use also as an exclamation implying spite or ‘cattiness’ in the person addressed (cf. cat, n.1…