- espionage
[espionage 词源字典]
- espionage: see spy
[espionage etymology, espionage origin, 英语词源] - espionage (n.)
- 1793, from French espionnage "spying," from Middle French espionner "to spy," from espion "a spy" (16c.), probably via Old Italian spione from a Germanic source akin to Old High German spehon "spy" (see spy (v.)). For initial e- see e-. Middle English had espiouress "female spy" (early 15c.).