Obs. [a. F. espion, prob. ad. It. spione, of Teut. origin: cf. OHG. spehan to look out.] A spy, scout.
1636. E. Dacres, trans. Machiavel’s Disc. Livy, III. x. 502. And then keepe good espiouns, so that if hee chance to bend towards thee, thou maist avoyd him at leysure.
