EAVES-DROPPERS

1 definition found

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  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.