Es·py v. t. [imp. & p. p. Espied p. pr. & vb. n. Espying.]
 1. To catch sight of; to perceive with the eyes; to discover, as a distant object partly concealed, or not obvious to notice; to see at a glance; to discern unexpectedly; to spy; as, to espy land; to espy a man in a crowd.
    As one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, . . . he espied his money.   --Gen. xlii. 27.
 A goodly vessel did I then espy
 Come like a giant from a haven broad.   --Wordsworth.
 2. To inspect narrowly; to examine and keep watch upon; to watch; to observe.
    He sends angels to espy us in all our ways.   --Jer. Taylor.
 Syn: -- To discern; discover; detect; descry; spy.