Listen (l&ibreve_;s'n), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Listened (l&ibreve_;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. hlosēn to listen, Gr. klyein, 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.
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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.
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2. To give heed; to yield to advice; to follow admonition; to obey.
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Listen to me, and by me be ruled. Tennyson.
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To listen after, to take an interest in. [Obs.]
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Soldiers note forts, armories, and magazines; scholars listen after libraries, disputations, and professors. Fuller.

Syn. -- To attend; hearken. See Attend.
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