Definition of "espy" in English

verb

1. To find out or observe (someone or something, especially if not easy to see) by spying or looking; to catch sight of; to see; to spot.

   • to espy land    to espy a man in a crowd

2. To see (someone or something) without foreplanning or unexpectedly.

3. To observe (someone or something) as a spy; also, to examine or observe (someone or something) carefully; or to look out or watch for.

4. To become aware of (a fact, information, etc.).

5. (intransitive, archaic) To observe as a spy, to spy; also, to examine or observe carefully; or to look out or watch.

noun

1. An act of finding out or observing by spying or looking; an espial or espying.

2. A scout or spy.

3. (uncountable) The act or process of learning secret information through clandestine means; espionage.