Also 7 eave-drop. [f. prec.; or perhaps back-formation from EAVESDROPPER.] intr. To stand within the ‘eavesdrop’ of a house in order to listen to secrets; hence, to listen secretly to private conversation. Also trans. To listen secretly to (conversation); formerly also, to listen within the ‘eavesdrop’ of (a house); to listen to the secrets of (a person).
1606. Sir G. Goosecappe, V. i. in Bullen, O. Pl. (1884), III. 82. We will be bold to evesdroppe.
1611. S. W. Baker, in Coryat, Crudities, Panegyr. Verses. That evesdrops a word.
1611. Cotgr., s.v. Escoute…. Estre aux escoutes … to eaue-drop, to prie into mens actions, or courses.
1619. Dalton, Countr. Just., lxxv. (1630), 189. Against such as by night shall evesdrop mens houses.
1632. Shirley, Hyde Park, I. ii. It is not civil to eavesdrop him.
1820. Scott, Abbot, xxi. Art thou already eaves-dropping?
1860. Emerson, Cond. Life, v. Behaviour, Wks. (Bohn), II. 386. We must not peep and eavesdrop at palace-doors.
1872. Howells, Wedd. Journ., 176. What we eavesdropped so shamefully in the hotel parlor.
