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.

"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

Quite into fairyland they had come now, in truth; as if, skirting the dark peak that shut it off from ordinary espial, they had lighted on a bypath that led them covertly in.

From Faith Gartney's Girlhood by Whitney, A. D. T. (Adeline Dutton Train)

Then wisdom altered its method and spoke of espial and discovery.

From The Picture of Dorian Gray by Wilde, Oscar

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 lover's endless minutes slowly pass'd; The dame return'd, and whisper'd in his ear To follow her; with aged eyes aghast From fright of dim espial.

From Keats: Poems Published in 1820 by Robertson, M. (Margaret)