descry

[dih-skrahy] /dɪˈskraɪ/
verb (used with object), descried, descrying.
1.
to see (something unclear or distant) by looking carefully; discern; espy:
The lookout descried land.
2.
to discover; perceive; detect.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English descrien < Old French de(s)crïer to proclaim, decry. See dis-1, cry
Related forms
descrier, noun
undescried, adjective
undescrying, adjective
Can be confused
decry, descry (see synonym study at decry)
Synonyms
1. notice.
Examples from the web for descry
  • The only trace of living thing that he could descry was a sombre little hut, and towards this he directed his steps.
British Dictionary definitions for descry

descry

/dɪˈskraɪ/
verb (transitive) -scries, -scrying, -scried
1.
to discern or make out; catch sight of
2.
to discover by looking carefully; detect
Derived Forms
descrier, noun
Word Origin
C14: from Old French descrier to proclaim, decry
Word Origin and History for descry
v.

"to see, discern," c.1300, probably from Old French descrier "publish" (Modern French décrier), from Latin describere (see describe).

"to proclaim," mid-14c., from Old French descrier, from des- (see dis-) + crier, from Latin quiritare (see cry (v.)).