The Collaborative International Dictionary
Listen \Lis"ten\ (l[i^]s"'n), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Listened (l[i^]s"'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Listening.] [OE. listnen, listen, lustnen, lusten, AS. hlystan; akin to hlyst hearing, OS. hlust, Icel. hlusta to listen, hlust ear, AS. hlosnian to wait in suspense, OHG. hlos[=e]n to listen, Gr. kly`ein, and E. loud. [root]4
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See Loud, and cf. List to listen.] 1. To give close attention with the purpose of hearing; to give ear; to hearken; to attend.
When we have occasion to listen, and give a more particular attention to some sound, the tympanum is drawn to a more than ordinary tension.
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To give heed; to yield to advice; to follow admonition; to obey.
Listen to me, and by me be ruled.
--Tennyson.To listen after, to take an interest in. [Obs.]
Soldiers note forts, armories, and magazines; scholars listen after libraries, disputations, and professors.
--Fuller.Syn: To attend; hearken. See Attend.
Usage examples of "to listen after".
Like that little wretched animal, she pricks up her ears to listen after the voice of her pursuer.