espy
verb (used with object)
to see at a distance; catch sight of.
had espied
-
past perfectof espy.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As for Joel, he had espied one of the kittens, and was crossing the room after it, when for the first time he saw John and paused, somewhat abashed.
From The Cottage of Delight A Novel by Will N. (William Nathaniel) Harben
Meanwhile Burek had espied a squirrel up a tree, and, standing before it looking upward, barked.
From Sielanka: An Idyll by Thomas H. Bullick
Just above his head a number of bushes were growing, and among these he had espied a long, stout-looking shoot.
From The Campaign of the Jungle or, Under Lawton through Luzon by Edward Stratemeyer
His eyes were glued upon a figure he had espied amid the cannon.
From Ghetto Comedies by Israel Zangwill
He had espied a gleam of dull yellow wedged in between the side of the split and a second rock.
From To Alaska for Gold The Fortune Hunters of the Yukon by Edward Stratemeyer
