1. plural of espial; instances of catching sight of someone or something; acts of spotting or observing.
Usage: archaic or literary; often used in historical or formal contexts
2. plural of espial; acts of spying or secret surveillance.
Usage: archaic or literary; legal or historical usage

Examples

• The guard's espials of suspicious activity led to the arrest.
• Medieval records documented numerous espials along the border.
• Their espials of the enemy camp provided valuable intelligence.
• The espials made by the sentries were carefully logged.
• Early espials of the comet excited the astronomers.