Eves Dropper (Grose 1811 Dictionary)

Eves Dropper

One that lurks about to rob hen-roosts; also a listener at doors and windows, to hear private conversation.

Definition taken from The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, originally by Francis Grose.

See also the definition in Nathan Bailey's 1736 dictionary of canting and thieving slang.

John S. Farmer's collection of canting songs and slang rhymes

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