Definition - What does Eavesdropping mean?
The term eavesdropping refers to observing or listening to a private conversation illegally or listening to a conversation that they are not included in. It may also be defined as to intercept and listen stealthily.
Justipedia explains Eavesdropping
Eavesdropping is a common law offense which includes listening to the conversation of others while keeping yourself hidden (from places like eaves or windows of a house). The term eavesdropping is only used when the act is not accompanied by a special court order or a warrant.