1. (v. t.) To keep close watch; to perceive with the eyes; to discover\, as a distant object partly concealed, or not obvious to notice; to see at a glance; to discern unexpectedly; to spy; as, to espy land; to espy a man in a crowd.

2. (v. t.) To inspect narrowly; to examine and keep watch upon; to watch; to observe.

3. (v. i.) To look or search narrowly; to look about; to watch; to take notice; to spy.

4. (n.) A spy; a scout.

behold catch catch sight of clap eyes on descry detect discern discover distinguish encounter glimpse have in sight hit identify ken lay eyes on look on look upon make out mark meet with note notice observe perceive pick out pick up recognize remark see sense sight spot spy take in twig view witness