Lis″ten (lĭs″'n), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Listened (–'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. κλύειν, 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.
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.
2. To give heed; to yield to advice; to follow admonition; to obey.
Listen to me, and by me be ruled. Tennyson.
To listen after, to take an interest in.
Soldiers note forts, armories, and magazines; scholars listen after libraries, disputations, and professors. Fuller.
Syn. — To attend; hearken. See Attend.