Refers to idle talk or unverified information about others. Somewhat literary or formal in tone; in casual speech, うわさ is more common.
That rumor spread quickly.
彼は町の余聞に詳しい。
He is well-versed in the town's gossip.
tidbits of political gossip; political gossip
Composed of 余 (extra, remaining) and 聞 (hear, rumor). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji suggest 'something extra that is heard'.