Etymology-Eavesdrop

Etymology of Eavesdrop 

The term originally referred to the water that falls in drops from the eaves of a house.   Then, in a moment of frustration, due to flooding of one's abode by their neighbors drip, the English adopted Eaves drop into a law.   One needed a special permit before one could build, in order to avoid annoying accidents, so that one's eave could not drip water onto anther's land.   The term of the interloper who hears the message of another and spreads the gossip around was first used in the 14th century.   The term saw the act of eavesdropping as a flood of half truths, and innuendos, thus flooding a town with slime.  Yuck!   Now with the advent of new technology, eavesdrop refers to the electronic eavesdropping carried on by the government, or your neighbor today.

Ngram Popularity

The Word Was most popular between 1820 - 1840 but is seeing a current resurgence.   Below is how John Milton used the word Eavesdrop in his book the Prose Works of John Milton.

 

Gematria for the Word Eavesdrop

Eavesdrop
514514967
6   9   5  15 7
15   5  22
20  22
42
6
A strong sense of responsiblity, artistic, a nurturing disposition, community oriented, balanced, sympathy for others, humanitarian, unselfishness, love of home and domestic affairs, freely renders service to others.
Negative Traits:
Self righteousness, obstinacy, stubborn, dominates family and friends, meddling, egotistical, and susceptible to flattery, outspoken.

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