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.

Some regarded it as an act of espial, and much foolish talk arose about the covenanters and persecution and martyrdom.

From Malcolm by MacDonald, George

The act of espial had always been hateful to him: he preferred to trust his brethren, and it cost far less trouble.

From Brother Copas by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

"Their purpose, madam," replied the Lady of Lochleven, "they must themselves explain—but a formal annunciation were needless, where your Grace hath attendants who can play the espial so well."

From The Abbot by Scott, Walter, Sir

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

Besides being kept under the eyes of these wretches, and exposed to their insults and mockery, she was subjected to espial from without.

From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 07 by Johnson, Rossiter