from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Spy \Spy\, n.; pl. {Spies} (sp[imac]z). [See {Spy}, v., and cf.
{Espy}, n.]
1. One who keeps a constant watch of the conduct of others.
"These wretched spies of wit." --Dryden.
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2. (Mil.) A person sent secretly into an enemy's camp,
territory, or fortifications, to inspect his works,
ascertain his strength, movements, or designs, and to
communicate such intelligence to the proper officer.
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{Spy money}, money paid to a spy; the reward for private or
secret intelligence regarding the enemy.
{Spy Wednesday} (Eccl.), the Wednesday immediately preceding
the festival of Easter; -- so called in allusion to the
betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.
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Syn: See {Emissary}, and {Scout}.
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