espial

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So they held their peace, and arranged between them to keep her in watch and close espial, that they might catch her unawares.

From The Decameron, Volume II by Rigg, J. M. (James Macmullen)

The conditions under which he obtained the espial of one of the King's most trusted friends, and a member of the 'Sealed Knot,' formed a complete protection to the Earl of Rochester and his associates.

From The Quarterly Review, Volume 162, No. 324, April, 1886 by Various

The portcullis, drawbridge, moat, and wicket for espial, as well as an armed bully or Pandar to quell disagreeable intruders, if by chance they got admittance without responsible introduction, all point to an organized system.

From The Rogues and Vagabonds of Shakespeare's Youth Awdeley's 'Fraternitye of vacabondes' and Harman's 'Caveat' by Awdeley, John

Presently he moved forward, and, with head still bent, approached the lower end of the garden, where, in a wall higher than that over which Goldthorpe made his espial, there was a wooden door.

From The House of Cobwebs and Other Stories by Gissing, George

Imperious Norman, that's a modern trial That's always being argued more or less; The Press keeps now such vigilant espial On every grasping would-be public plunderer.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 102, February 27, 1892 by Various