eaves-dropper

Like a thief, or an eaves-dropper, proceeded he: and yet neither by birth nor alliances unworthy of their relation, whatever I may be and am of their admirable daughter: of whom they, every one of them, are at least as unworthy! —

Clarissa Harlowe 2006

“Dead for a ducat,” would have been my reply, had I dared to give way to the feelings which rose indignant at the idea of being subjected to an eaves-dropper on such an occasion.

Rob Roy 2005

_ Nay, I will not be an eaves-dropper: my child you do not fear this person now?

The Mirror of Taste, and Dramatic Censor Volume I, Number 1

I did not realize that I was playing the part of an eaves-dropper, and even if I had, I doubt if I should have made my presence known.

"The Pomp of Yesterday" Joseph Hocking 1898

Through the lightly draped open window their conversation, distinctly heard, forced him into the position of an unintentional eaves-dropper.

An Algonquin Maiden A Romance of the Early Days of Upper Canada A. Ethelwyn Wetherald 1898

` ` Dead for a ducat, '' would have been my reply, had I dared to give way to the feelings which rose indignant at the idea of being subjected to an eaves-dropper on such an occasion.

Rob Roy 1887

"Would that be fair -- to play the eaves-dropper?"

Joe the Hotel Boy Horatio Alger 1865

"Then you are an eaves-dropper as well as a thief."

Seek and Find or The Adventures of a Smart Boy Oliver Optic 1859

I did not mean to play the part of eaves-dropper in their way,

Victor Roy, a Masonic Poem Harriet Annie Wilkins 1858

This seat was in a little recess or blind window, where two persons might freely converse without fear of an eaves-dropper.

The War Trail The Hunt of the Wild Horse Mayne Reid 1850