to hear tell

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To hear a report of; to hear of. The expression is frequently heard among illiterate people in familiar conversation. Examples of its use may be found in the earliest English writers.

For harde ye hau often time heard tell.--Chaucer, Somp. P. T.

Of which when the prince heard tell.--Spenser.

Pray, what is the meaning of Socdolager?" I asked. "I never heard of the term before." "Possible!" said he; "never heerd tell of the Socdolager? Why you don't say so!"--Sam Slick in England, ch. 15.

Now this was the very first piano that was ever heard tell of in the Purchase.--Carlton's New Purchase, Vol. II. p. 8.

Now, Capting, I'm in distress; and I've always hearn tell that you sailors was generous chaps.--Knickerbocker Mag. Aug. 1845.

I beg leave to suggest to you that the Tinnecum people don't care much about the elements of music, of which they've hearn tell these two hundred years.--Knickerbocker Mag. Vol. XVII. p. 37.

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