| 释义 |
eavesdropper|ˈiːvzdrɒpə(r)|
For forms see eaves.
[f. eavesdrop v. (or perhaps n.) + -er.]
a. In English Law: see quot. 1641.
b. gen. One who listens secretly to conversation.
1487Nottingham Borough Rec. III. 10 Juratores..dicunt..quod Henricus Rowley..est communis evys-dropper et vagator in noctibus. c1515Modus tenedi Cur. Baron. (Pynson) A v b, Euesdroppers vnder mennes walles or wyndowes..to bere tales. 1561J. Awdelay Frat. Vocab. 15 Esen Droppers. 1584R. Scot Discov. Witchcr. ii. viii. 24 There must be some eves-dropers with pen and inke behind the wall. 1641Termes de la Ley 153 Evesdroppers are such as stand under wals or windowes..to heare news. 1748Richardson Clarissa (1811) II. xii. 72 Like a thief, or eves-dropper, he is forced to dodge about in hopes of a letter. 1851W. W. Collins Ramb. by Railways xv. (1852) 290 The expertest eaves-droppers, who had listened at the door, brought away no information.
Hence ˈeavesdropping vbl. n. and ppl. a.
1601R. Yarington Two Lament. Traj. iv. vi. in Bullen O. Pl. IV, Your close eaves-dropping pollicies Have hindred him of greater benefits. 1641Milton Animadv. (1851) 191 To stand to the courtesy of a night-walking cudgeller for eaves dropping. 1672–3Roxb. Ballads vi. (1887) 440 Where they need fear No..eves-dropping ear. 1775Sheridan Rivals iii. iii, A beggarly, strolling, eavesdropping ensign. 1850Clough Dipsychus ii. iii. 46 An eaves-dropping menial. 1853Wharton Pa. Digest 473 Eavesdropping consists in privily listening. |