A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Espiall, Espyell, n. [e.m.E. and ME. espial(l, ME. espiaile, -aille (Chaucer), OF. espiaille.] A spy. —1558-66 Knox I. 452.
The Quene had amangis us her assured espiallis Ib. II. 33.
The Quene Regent had her espyellis in England
