释义 |
eaves·drop I. \ˈēvzˌdräp sometimes -vˌd-\ verb Etymology: probably back-formation from eavesdropper intransitive verb : to listen secretly to what is said in private — usually used with on < eavesdropping on the senate conference > < he hid under the table and eavesdropped on his sister and her sweetheart > transitive verb 1. archaic : to learn or overhear by eavesdropping 2. : to eavesdrop on (as a conversation) < I've just eavesdropped two demographers or geopoliticians — Christopher Morley > II. noun also eaves·drip \-ˌdrip\ Etymology: eavesdrop from Middle English evesdrop, from eves + drop; eavesdrip from eaves + drip 1. : the water that falls in drops from the eaves of a house 2. : the ground on which the water falls from the eaves 3. : a servitude formerly required in England before one could build so that water from one's eaves could fall directly on the land of another |