Backspier

/ˈbækˌspaɪər/ noun

Definition

One who spies back or looks backward; possibly a person who engages in counter-espionage (rare).

Etymology

Back + spier (variant of 'spy'). 'Spy' derives from Old French 'espie,' ultimately from Germanic roots. This appears in historical texts about intelligence gathering.

Kelly Says

Before modern intelligence agencies existed, nations employed 'backspiers'—people who would counter enemy spies by using spies of their own, creating these fascinating networks of double-agents!

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