Английский Этимологический словарь - ear (1)

- "organ of hearing," O.E. eare, from P.Gmc. *auzon, from PIE *aus- with a sense of "perception." The blief that itching or burning ears means someone is talking about you is mentioned in Pliny's Natural History (77 C.E.). Until at least the 1880s, even some medical men still believed piercing the ears improved one's eyesight. Earmark is mid-15c., originally of sheep and cattle, serving as a sign of ownership; first recorded in figurative sense 1577. Earshot is first recorded 1607. Earring is O.E. earhring.