listen

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Listened 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. hlosēn to listen, Gr. kly`ein, and E. loud. √41. See Loud, and cf. List to listen. ] 1. To give close attention with the purpose of hearing; to give ear; to hearken; to attend. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. Holder. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To give heed; to yield to advice; to follow admonition; to obey. [ 1913 Webster ]

Listen to me, and by me be ruled. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

To listen after, to take an interest in. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Soldiers note forts, armories, and magazines; scholars listen after libraries, disputations, and professors. Fuller.

Syn. -- To attend; hearken. See Attend. [ 1913 Webster ]