espial

[ ih-spahy-uh l ]

/ ɪˈspaɪ əl /

the act of spying.

the act of keeping watch; observation.

Origin of espial

1350–1400; Middle English espiaille < Middle French. See espy, -al²

"I infer nothing; I act," said Peter, turning to look out his place of espial.

Edith and John |Franklin S. Farquhar
He remembered his reluctant consent to McCloskey's proposal touching the espial upon Hallock, and was sorry he had given it.

The Taming of Red Butte Western |Francis Lynde
From his new point of espial Kent checked off the members of the party.

The Grafters |Francis Lynde
She did not intend an espial upon Anthony; the question was born of pain and bewilderment.

A Man's Hearth |Eleanor M. Ingram

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

Brother Copas |Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch

espial

/ (ɪˈspaɪəl) /

the act or fact of being seen or discovered

the act of noticing

the act of spying upon; secret observation