verb (used with object), es·pied, es·py·ing.
to see at a distance; catch sight of.
Origin:
1175–1225; Middle English espyen < Old French espier ≪ Germanic; compare German spähen to spy
1175–1225; Middle English espyen < Old French espier ≪ Germanic; compare German spähen to spy
Related forms
un·es·pied, adjective
Synonyms
discern, descry, discover, perceive, make out.
discern, descry, discover, perceive, make out.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
pi
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To Espy
00:10
Espy
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
espy (ɪˈspaɪ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb , -pies, -pying, -pied | |
| (tr) to catch sight of or perceive (something distant or previously unnoticed); detect: to espy a ship on the horizon | |
| [C14: from Old French espier to | |
| es'pier | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
espy
early 14c., from O.Fr. espier (Fr. épier), from V.L. *spiare, from a Gmc. source (cf. O.H.G. spehon "to spy" (see spy). Related: Espied.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
Espy  (ěs'pē) Pronunciation Key
American meteorologist who is credited with the first correct explanation of the role heat plays in cloud formation and growth. His use of the telegraph in relaying meteorological observations and tracking storms laid the foundation for modern weather forecasting. |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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