[f. SPY sb.] Spying; espionage; the world of spies.

1

1848.  Freeman’s Jrnl., 8 Jan., 2/2. It is known that there is not an iota of evidence to enable the slimy serpents of Spydom to gratify the Times and its Thugs by brining a priest to the gallows.

2

1859.  Times, 27 Dec., 6/5. Should the practice of spydom become universal, farewell to all domestic confidence and happiness.

3

1862.  Morning Star, 18 June. The notion of spydom is so abhorrent to the English feeling.

4

1899.  Daily Tel., 2 Sept., 10/5. The happy family of spydom assembled in Panizzardi’s dining-room.

5