The Devil's Dictionary: Eavesdrop

Updated May 14, 2020 | Infoplease Staff
by Ambrose Bierce
EAT
ECCENTRICITY

EAVESDROP

-v.i.

Secretly to overhear a catalogue of the crimes and vices of another or yourself.

A lady with one of her ears applied
To an open keyhole heard, inside,
Two female gossips in converse free —
The subject engaging them was she.
"I think," said one, "and my husband thinks
That she's a prying, inquisitive minx!"
As soon as no more of it she could hear
The lady, indignant, removed her ear.
"I will not stay," she said, with a pout,
"To hear my character lied about!"

- Gopete Sherany

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