For forms see EAVES. [f. EAVESDROP v. (or perhaps sb.) + -ER.] a. In English Law: see quot. 1641. b. gen. One who listens secretly to conversation.
1487. Nottingham Borough Rec., III. 10. Juratores … dicunt … quod Henricus Rowley … est communis evys-dropper et vagator in noctibus.
c. 1515. Modus tenendi Cur. Baron. (Pynson), A v b. Euesdroppers vnder mennes walles or wyndowes … to bere tales.
1561. Awdelay, Frat. Vacab., 15. Esen Droppers.
1584. R. Scot, Discov. Witchcr., II. viii. 31. There must be some eues-dropers with pen and inke behind the wall.
1641. Termes de la Ley, 153. Evesdroppers are such as stand under wals or windowes … to heare news.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa (1811), II. xii. 72. Like a thief, or eves-dropper, he is forced to dodge about in hopes of a letter.
1851. W. W. Collins, Ramb. by Railways, xv. (1852), 290. The expertest eaves-droppers, who had listened at the door, brought away no information.
Hence Eavesdropping vbl. sb. and ppl. a.
1601. Yarington, Two Lament. Trag., IV. vi. in Bullen, O. Pl., IV. Your close eaves-dropping pollicies Have hindred him of greater benefits.
1641. Milton, Animadv. (1851), 191. To stand to the courtesy of a night-walking cudgeller for eaves dropping.
1672–3. Roxb. Ballads, VI. (1887), 440. Where they need fear No … eves-dropping ear.
1775. Sheridan, Rivals, III. ii. A beggarly, strolling, eavesdropping ensign.
1850. Clough, Dipsychus, II. iii. 46. An eaves-dropping menial.
1853. Wharton, Pa. Digest, 473. Eavesdropping consists in privily listening.
