Dictograph

American  

[dik-tuh-graf, -grahf] / ˈdɪk təˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf /

Trademark.

1. a brand name for a telephonic device with a highly sensitive transmitter obviating the necessity of a mouthpiece: used for listening to conversations secretly or obtaining a record of them.

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Dictograph British  

/ ˈdɪktəˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf /

noun

1. a telephonic instrument for secretly monitoring or recording conversations by means of a small, sensitive, and often concealed microphone

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Example Sentences

This would explain why the Dictograph set up by the private detectives working for Mollie Burkhart’s family had never picked up any incriminating statements, and why Rose’s clothes had never been found in the creek.

From Literature

At the time, statutes governing electronic surveillance were nebulous, and Burns was an avid user of a Dictograph—a primitive listening device that could be concealed in anything from a clock to a chandelier.

From Literature

A dictograph in the private office, yonder, has a record of the talk between us of the other morning, in which you made patent confession to being the Masquer.

From Project Gutenberg

But I had, of course, the Deutch apartment, as well as yours, wired for a dictograph.

From Project Gutenberg

"The dictograph," I whispered to Rolston, and he pressed my arm to show he understood.

From Project Gutenberg