1607. Cyril Tourneur, Revenger’s Tragedy, ii., 1. O, ’twill be glorious to kill ’em … when they’re heaped. [[290]]
Hear. To hear a bird sing (old).—To receive private communication; in modern parlance, a little bird told me so.
1598. Shakspeare, 2 Henry IV., v., 5. I will lay odds, that ere this year expire, We bear our civil swords and native fire As far as France. I hear a bird so sing.
Hearing, subs. (common).—A scolding; a lecture. For synonyms, see Wigging.
Hearing-cheats, subs. (old cant).—The ears.
1567. Harman, Caveat, s.v.
1690. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Hearing Cheats, Ears.
1725. New Cant. Dict., s.v.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v.
English Synonyms.—Drums; flappers; leathers; lugs (Scots’); taps; wattles.