(a) One who spies on the activities of another; one sent out to make secret observations in a foreign land, a scout or spy; also, a forerunner or messenger [quot. 1449]; (b) mil. one sent into enemy territory to obtain information, a spy; (c) one who lies in ambush to attack or kill someone; also fig.; (d) a watchman, lookout, sentinel; a guard; also, a light vessel used for reconnaissance; (e) one who searches for someone or something; also, a bee sent out to look for a food supply; (f) a traitor.

(a) Covert observation, espionage; haven (a) ~ upon, to observe (sb.) secretly; maken ~, watch secretly (how sb. does sth.); setten his spies on, of God: observe (sb.) secretly; (b) treachery; pl. wiles, treachery; also, the snares of a bird catcher; putten spies to, to make sneak attacks on (someone's country); setten spies, lurk (at a place); plot (to do sth.); setten waite and ~ of, lie in wait for (sb.), entrap; sitten in spies, lie in ambush.