v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Espied p. pr. & vb. n. Espying. ] [ OF. espier, F. épier, from OHG. speh&unr_;n to watch, spy, G. spähen; akin to L. specere to look, species sight, shape, appearance, kind. See Spice, Spy, and cf. Espionage. ] 1. To catch sight of; to perceive with the eyes; to discover, as a distant object partly concealed, or not obvious to notice; to see at a glance; to discern unexpectedly; to spy; as, to espy land; to espy a man in a crowd. [ 1913 Webster ]

As one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, . . . he espied his money. Gen. xlii. 27. [ 1913 Webster ]

A goodly vessel did I then espy
Come like a giant from a haven broad. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To inspect narrowly; to examine and keep watch upon; to watch; to observe. [ 1913 Webster ]

He sends angels to espy us in all our ways. Jer. Taylor.

Syn. -- To discern; discover; detect; descry; spy. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To look or search narrowly; to look about; to watch; to take notice; to spy. [ 1913 Webster ]

Stand by the way, and espy. Jer. xlviii. 19. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Espies [ OF. espie. See Espy, v., Spy. ] A spy; a scout. [ Obs. ] Huloet. [ 1913 Webster ]