Obs. [a. AF. *aspie = OF. espie SPY. The prevalent spelling of both sb. and vb. in early ME.; in 15th c. espy, after Fr., came into common use.] = SPY sb.
1297. R. Glouc., 557. Hii adde gode aspies, hou hii hom þo bere.
1380. Sir Ferumb., 5232. To þe Amerel þe aspye aȝen is went.
1382. Wyclif, Prov. xi. 6. Wicked men in ther aspies shal be take.
1467. Marg. Paston, Lett., 576, II. 308. He … sendyth dayly aspies to understand what felesshepe kepe the place.
