espionage Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the systematic use of spies to get military or political secrets

WordNet

Es"pi*o*nage noun
Etymology
F. espionnage, fr. espionner to spy, fr. espion spy, OF. espie. See Espy.
Definitions
  1. The practice or employment of spies; the practice of watching the words and conduct of others, to make discoveries, as spies or secret emissaries; secret watching.

Webster 1913