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.
Espy, n. [ME. espye (Chaucer), espie, OF. espie.] a. Espiall. b. A spy.a1500 Doug. K. Hart 29.
Gentrice, Fredome, Price, Previe Espy 1533 Bell. Livy II. 208/4.
Thai … send thare espyes about the wallis and portis of the ciete 1562 Digest Justiciary Proc. D. 52.
[They] sendand sindrie espyes to the said toune to spy quhat the Quenis Grace and the Lordis wer doand 1588 Reg. Privy C. IV. 339.
The said George … hes his espyis aboute the said house, of purpois … to have his lyffe
