To discover at a distance, or from a position of concealment; gain sight of; see; espy.To discover by close search or examination; gain a knowledge of by artifice.To explore; view, inspect, or examine secretly, as a country: usually with out.To ask; inquire; question.To search narrowly; scrutinize; pry.To play the spy; exercise surveillance.n. A person who keeps a constant watch on the actions, motions, conduct, etc., of others; one who secretly watches what is going on.n. A secret emissary who goes into an enemy's camp or territory to inspect his works, ascertain his strength and his intentions, watch his movements, and report thereon to the proper officer. By the laws of war among all civilized nations a spy is liable to capital punishment.n. The pilot of a vessel.n. Au advanced guard; a forerunner.n. [In the following passage, spy is supposed by some to mean that which precedes and announces the time for the assassination of Banquo, by others the very eye, the exact moment.n. A glance; look; peep.n. An eye.n. Synonyms Emissary, Spy (see emissary), scout.