earshot
(ˈɪəʃɒt)
[f. ear n.1 + shot; after bowshot, etc.]
The distance at which the voice may be heard; hearing.
| 1607 Beaum. & Fl. Wom. Hater i. iii, Hark you Sir, there may perhaps be some within ear-shots. 1713 Guardian No. 71 (1756) I. 315 Within ear-shot of one of those little ambitious men. 1844 Disraeli Coningsby ii. vi. 75 Tadpole and Taper..withdrew to a distant sofa, out of earshot, and indulged in confidential talk. 1856 Mrs. Browning Aur. Leigh iii. 1001 She was..not in earshot of the things Outspoken o'er the heads of common men. |