espial Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of detecting something; catching sight of something
    detection; spying; catching; spotting.

WordNet

Es*pi"al noun
Etymology
OE. & Norm. F. espiaille. See Espy.
Definitions
  1. The act of espying; notice; discovery.
    Screened from espial by the jutting cape. Byron.
  2. One who espies; a spy; a scout. Obs. "Their espials . . . brought word." Holland.

Webster 1913