A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Aspy(e, Aspie, v. [Early ME. aspie, OF. espier: see Espy v.]
1. tr. To see, catch sight of, observe.a1400 Leg. S. x. 244 (in mannis fourme God til aspy); xxiii. 119 (Malchus that aspyit). a1500 Seven S. 172 (be science he aspyd … speke suld he). c1500-c1512 Dunb. G. Targe 137 (be lufis quene I was aspyit). 1513 Doug. iii. v. 47 (alssone as scho me aspyis); viii. 31, ix. 107, etc. 1531 Bell. Boece II. 102 (he was aspyit makand derision). 1561 Kennedy Orat. Title-p. (to aspy how wonderfullie thai ar abusit). 1574 Misc. Maitl. C. I. 105 (aspyit and foirseine).
2. To observe as a spy.c1420 Wynt. viii. 4184 (thare kyngis castell till aspy). c1475 Wall. iv. 431 (the contre to aspye). a1500 Seven S. 1066 (the caus for till aspy).
3. intr. To look; to be observant or on the watch.c1475 Wall. ix. 432.
He has aspyit Sum jeperte apon thaim for to mak 1513 Doug. vii. Prol. 142.
Baith vp and down the hows I dyd aspy
