eavesdropv.
/ˈiːvzdrɒp/, U.S. /ˈivzˌdrɑp/ intransitive. To stand within the ‘eavesdrop’ of a house in order to listen to secrets; hence, to listen secretly to private conversation. Also transitive. To listen secretly to (conversation); formerly also, to listen within the ‘eavesdrop’ of (a house); to listen to the secrets of (a person).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > be curious, wonder [verb (intransitive)] > listen secretly
eavesdrop1606
the mind > attention and judgement > feel curious about [verb (transitive)] > listen secretly
eavesdrop1606
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > hear [verb (intransitive)] > listen > eavesdrop
hearkena1382
eavesdrop1606
overlisten1609
earwig1865
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > hear [verb (transitive)] > listen to > eavesdrop
eavesdrop1606
earwig1974
1606 G. Chapman Sir Gyles Goosecappe v. sig. Iv We will be bold to evesdroppe.
1611 W. Baker in T. Coryate Crudities sig. g2v That euesdrops a phrase.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Escoute Estre aux escoutes..to eaue-drop, to prie into men's actions or courses.
1618 M. Dalton Countrey Justice 161 Against such as by night shall euesdrop mens houses.
1637 J. Shirley Hide Parke i. sig. C It is not civill to eauesdrop him.
1820 W. Scott Abbot II. vi. 189 Art thou already eaves-dropping?
1860 R. W. Emerson Behaviour in Conduct of Life (London ed.) 161 We must not peep and eavesdrop at palace-doors.
1872 W. D. Howells Their Wedding Journey 176 What we eavesdropped so shamefully in the hotel parlor.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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