Literary notes about Espier (AI summary)
In literature, the term "espier" is employed to denote the act of keen observation and scouting, often highlighting a character’s critical role in discovering paths or detecting hidden threats. Characters such as Eric the Espier are portrayed almost as archetypal guides—figures whose discerning eyes pave the way for others [1][2][3]. At times, the word underscores a more mundane or even flawed vigilance, as when an individual neglects his duty and faces dire consequences for his inattention [4][5]. Additionally, the usage of "espier" in narratives conveys moments of suspense and strategic awareness, whether in the context of a covert reconnaissance or the deliberate act of watching over a troop [6][7][8].
- Besides, I am Eric the Espier, Eric the Eye of Mankind.
— from The Men in the Walls by William Tenn - Eric the Eye, Eric the Espier, Eric who seeks out the path for Mankind.
— from The Men in the Walls by William Tenn - Eric the Espier— Eric who finds and points out the way.
— from The Men in the Walls by William Tenn - Then came the faithless espier and cast himself down in the way of that horse, and was trampled and his skull clove in.
— from Long Will by Florence Converse - 'T is true, said one man, with a chuckle,—this was the espier, and he had forgot to return to his post.—
— from Long Will by Florence Converse - en [253] seurté, desireux de sçauoir en quel estat estoit le reste de la troupe, se desguisa en Sauuage & s'en vint espier sur les lieux.
— from The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. 4: Acadia and Quebec, 1616-1629 - [263] Fors espier tant solement Qu'il ne se maine folement....
— from Chaucer's Works, Volume 5 (of 7) — Notes to the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer - Then they went to the espier, where he lay dead, and they lifted him up and bore him within the church.
— from Long Will by Florence Converse
