Eaves-droppers
EAVES-DROPPERS, crim. law. Persons as wait under walls or windows or the
eaves of a house, to listen to discourses, and thereupon to frame
mischievous tales.
2. The common law punishment for this offence is fine, and finding
sureties for good behaviour. 4 Bl. Com. 167; Burn's Just. h.t.; Dane's Ab.
Index, h.t.; 1 Russ. Cr. 302.
3. In Tennessee, an indictment will not lie for eaves-dropping. 2 Tenn.
R. 108.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.