(אֹחַים, plural of אֹח ), a species of animal classed with wild beasts of the desert, and described as haunting ruins (Isaiah 13:21, A.V. "doleful creatures"). Various identifications have been suggested, such as cuts, weasels, apes, etc. but the view most generally entertained is that a species of owl is intended. The name is oliomatopoetic from the interjection: אח, and denotes some creature that makes a woeful howling or screeching noise. This sound is very characteristic of the cry of the owl, which is sometimes like augh-o (See DOLEFUL CREATURES).