Lexic.us

Definition of Eavesdrop

1. Verb. Listen without the speaker's knowledge. "The jealous man was eavesdropping on his wife's conversations"

Definition of Eavesdrop

1. v. i. 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.

2. n. The water which falls in drops from the eaves of a house.

Definition of Eavesdrop

1. Verb. To hear a conversation one is not intended to hear; to listen in. ¹

2. Noun. The dripping of rain from the eaves of a house ¹

3. Noun. The space around a house on which such water drips ¹

4. Noun. A concealed aperture through which an occupant of a building can surreptitiously listen to people talking at an entrance to the building ¹

5. Noun. The act of intentionally hearing a conversation not intended to be heard ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Eavesdrop

1. [v -DROPPED, -DROPPING, -DROPS]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Eavesdrop

Literary usage of Eavesdrop

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Cases Decided in the Court of Session by Scotland Court of Session, Patrick Shaw, Scotland, Court of Session (1832)
"Scouller denied that he had encroached on, or deprived Pollock of any Jan 24~~1832 servitude of eavesdrop attaching to the property claimed by him. ..."

2. Cases Decided in the House of Lords, on Appeal from the Courts of Scotland by Great Britain Parliament. House of Lords, Patrick Shaw, House of Lords, Charles Hope Maclean, Parliament, Great Britain (1836)
"I may have eavesdrop from my wall into my garden; that is property, not servitude: but if I have eavesdrop into your garden, that is servitude. ..."

3. Maid Marian and Crotchet Castle by Thomas Love Peacock (1895)
"eavesdrop Me, sir! What have I done, sir, that I am to be poisoned, sir ? ... eavesdrop Sir, it is all good-humoured : all in bonhommie : all friendly and ..."

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