are such persons as stand under the eaves, or walls, and windows of a house, by night or day, to hearken after news, and carry it to others, and thereby cause strife and contention in the neighbourhood. They are called evil members of the commonwealth by the stat. of Welf. i. c. 33. They may be punished either in the court-leet by way of presentment and fine, or in the quarter-sessions by indictment and binding to good behaviour.