espy
[ ih-spahy ]
/ ɪˈspaɪ /
verb (used with object), es·pied, es·py·ing.
to see at a distance; catch sight of.
Nearby words
Origin of espy
1175–1225; Middle English espyen < Old French espier ≪ Germanic; compare German spähen to spy
SYNONYMS FOR espy
Related formsun·es·pied, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for espied
British Dictionary definitions for espied
espy
/ (ɪˈspaɪ) /
verb -pies, -pying or -pied
(tr) to catch sight of or perceive (something distant or previously unnoticed); detectto espy a ship on the horizon
Derived Formsespier, noun
Word Origin for espy
C14: from Old French espier to spy, of Germanic origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for espied
espy
early 13c., aspy, from Old French espier (12c., Modern French épier), from Vulgar Latin *spiare, from a Germanic source (cf. Old High German spehon "to spy;" see spy). Related: Espied. For initial e-, see especial.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for espied
Espy
[ ĕs′pē ]
American meteorologist who is credited with the first correct explanation of the role heat plays in cloud formation and growth. His use of the telegraph in relaying meteorological observations and tracking storms laid the foundation for modern weather forecasting.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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