Ĕs'pi-on-age, n.

(ĕs'pe-on-āj', or ĕs'pe-on-āzh'), n. [Fr. espionnage, from espionner, to spy, espion, spy, Sp. espión, It. spione. See ESPY.] The practice or employment of spies; the practice of watching the words and conduct of others, and attempting to make discoveries, as spies or secret emissaries.