(a) To make stealthy or covert observations upon (a person, place, action, etc.) with hostile intent; to spy upon; (b) to seek to discover or discover (sth.) by spying; (c) to spy or act the spy; -- absol. or with after, (up)on.

(a) To lie in ambush for or attack from ambush (a person), to waylay; to set a snare for (a person); to plot against (a person); also, to plot (a person's fall); (b) to lie in ambush; to lay an ambush or set a snare (with to phrase); to plot (to do sth.).

(a) To look for, seek to discover, search out (a person or thing); (b) to look or inquire into, examine, consider (a matter); (c) to search out, inquire, or investigate (with cl.); (d) to seek (to do sth.); (e) to make search or investigation (with after or absol.).

To find out, discover, detect (sth.) with the mind; to perceive; -- (a) with simple obj.; (b) with inf.; (c) with cl.; (d) absol.

To discover (a person or thing that is concealed); to discover or catch (a person) in some secret act or belief; also, aspien out.

To discover or disclose (a person) as to identity or condition; to find (a person) out; also, to discover (sth.) to be a disguise; to reveal the identity of (a thing).

To distinguish; -- with fro.

To find out, search out, or await (a time suitable for a particular purpose).

To catch sight of (a person, thing, etc.); to notice visually, look upon, descry; also, to look over or about, observe visually; -- (a) with obj.; (b) with of phrase; (c) absol.

To notice, observe, see; -- with cl.