Baretti: A dictionary of the English and Italian languages
Orécchi-o, s. m. dim. Orécchi-étta, aug. Orécchi-óne, disp.Orécchi-áccio ,
1. the ear. — purgato, a quick ear;2. the prominent part of many things; 3. thehole in buckets and other vessels in which the handle is inserted. Cantare a —, to sing by ear. Essere posto alle orecchie d'uno, to be familiar with a person. Fischiare altrui negli orecchi, (fig.) to give secret information of any thing. Inclinare gli orecchi, to listen. Mettere negli orecchi, to tell. Venire agli orecchi,to learn, have information of. Tirar gli orecchi ad uno, to reprehend, admonish a person. Andare coll'orecchie fiacche, to be disappointed. Fare — di mercatante, to pretend not to hear.