Definition of Eavesdrap
Eaves"drop` (ēvz"dr&obreve;p`), v.
i. [Eaves + drop.] To stand under the
eaves, near a window or at the door, of a house, to listen and learn
what is said within doors; hence, to listen secretly to what is said
in private. To eavesdrop in disguises. Milton.Eaves"drop`, n. The water which
falls in drops from the eaves of a house.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
EAVESDROP, v.i. Secretly to overhear a catalogue of the crimes and
vices of another or yourself.
A lady with one of her ears applied
To an open keyhole heard, inside,
Two female gossips in converse free --
The subject engaging them was she.
"I think," said one, "and my husband thinks
That she's a prying, inquisitive minx!"
As soon as no more of it she could hear
The lady, indignant, removed her ear.
"I will not stay," she said, with a pout,
"To hear my character lied about!"
Gopete Sherany
- 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue
- To hear a conversation one is not intended to hear; to listen in.
I hope nobody was eavesdropping on our conversation last night, since it got so personal.
- The Nuttall Encyclopedia
You arrived at this page by searching for Eavesdrap
The correct Spelling of this word is: Eavesdrop
Thank you for visiting FreeFactFinder. On our home page you will find extensive articles covering
a wide range of topics.
|