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Descry

 - 3 dictionary results

de⋅scry

[di-skrahy]
–verb (used with object), -scried, -scry⋅ing.
1. to see (something unclear or distant) by looking carefully; discern; espy: The lookout descried land.
2. to discover; perceive; detect.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME descrien < OF de(s)crïer to proclaim, decry. See dis- 1 , cry


de⋅scri⋅er, noun


1. notice.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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de·scry   (dĭ-skrī')   
tr.v.   de·scried, de·scry·ing, de·scries
  1. To catch sight of (something difficult to discern). See Synonyms at see1.

  2. To discover by careful observation or scrutiny; detect: descried a message of hope in her words.


[Middle English descrien, from Old French descrier, to call, cry out; see decry.]
de·scri'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

descry 
c.1300, probably from O.Fr. descrier "publish," from L. describere (see describe).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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