Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HEAR, v.t. [pret. and pp. heard, but more correctly heared. Sax. heoran, hyran; G. hören; D. hooren; Dan. hörer; Sw. höra. It seems to be from ear, L. auris, or from the same root. So L. audio seems to be connected with Gr. ους The sense is probably to lend the ear, to turn or incline the ear, and ear is probably a shoot or extremity.]

1. To perceive by the ear; to feel an impression of sound by the proper organs; as, to hear sound; to hear a voice; to hear words.
2. To give audience or allowance to speak. He sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Acts xxiv.
3. To attend; to listen; to obey. To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart. Ps. xcv.
4. To attend favorably; to regard. They think they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matth. vi.
5. To grant an answer to prayer. I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice. Ps. cxvi.
6. To attend to the facts, evidence, and arguments in a cause between parties; to try in a court of law or equity. The cause was heard and determined at the last term; or, it was heard at the last term, and will be determined at the next. So 2 Sam. xv.
7. To acknowledge a title; a Latin phrase. Hear'st thou submissive, but a lowly birth. Prior.
8. To be a hearer of; to sit under the preaching of; as, what minister do you hear? [A colloquial use of the word.]
9. To learn. I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. John viii.
10. To approve and embrace. They speak of the world, and the world heareth them. 1 John iv. To hear a bird sing, to receive private communication. Shak.