See distinctly (with the eyes or the mind); distinguish (an object or fact); discern.
transferred sense
Decree a person etc. to be or to do something by judicial sentence. (in the phrase “to decern in”, obsolete) To mulct in by decree of court.
Decree by judicial sentence that something be done.
intransitive
with simple object
To spot; to catch sight of.
To act as a spy.
To search narrowly; to scrutinize.
To explore; to see; to view; inspect and examine secretly, as a country.
A defensive player assigned to cover an offensive backfield player man-to-man when they are expected to engage in a running play, but the offensive player does not run with the ball immediately.
A person who secretly watches and examines the actions of other individuals or organizations and gathers information on them (usually to gain an advantage).