eaves-droppers

from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
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. 
    

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