Also 4–5 aspying. [f. prec. + -ING1.] The action of the vb. ESPY. In Wyclif, lying in wait; a snare. Also attrib.
1340. Ayenb., 117. Þet he him delyuri of þe kueade and of his aspiinges.
1388. Wyclif, Prov. xi. 6. Wickid men shulen be taken in her aspyingis [Vulg. insidiis].
1486. Bk. St. Albans, A ij b. It hade need to be died other green or blwe for espieng of thee hawke.
1580. Baret, Alv., E 337. An espying place, specula.
1693. Urquhart, Rabelais, III. xxxiii. 281. A suspicious espying and prying into the secret Deportments of their Wives.
