espial

[ ih-spahy-uhl ]

noun

1. the act of spying.
2. the act of keeping watch; observation.

espial

/ ɪˈspaɪəl /

noun

1. the act or fact of being seen or discovered
2. the act of noticing
3. the act of spying upon; secret observation

Word History and Origins

Origin of espial¹

1350–1400; Middle English espiaille < Middle French. See espy, -al ²

Example Sentences

Her mother’s small mind yet had an uncanny power of partial divination, gained from years of experience and espial, that irritated while it impressed.

From Project Gutenberg

She did not intend an espial upon Anthony; the question was born of pain and bewilderment.

From Project Gutenberg

There is yet," he answered, having made espial; "for the attack goes but upon the street side, leaving the lane free.

From Project Gutenberg

At last, safe from every chance of espial, she sat down again in her chair before the desk, leaned her elbows on the desk, and looked desperately, miserably, into the joyous face of the picture.

From Project Gutenberg

Her system of espial is even more minute and irritating than that of Russia.

From Project Gutenberg