spĕcŭlātĭo

I. A spying out, exploration, observation (late Lat.): speculationibus fidis doctus, Amm. 26, 10, 4; 27, 2, 4: turris speculationis, Greg. Mag. in Job, 31, 85.—

II. A contemplation, speculation, Boëth. Consol. Phil. 4, 1; 5, 2; Aus. Mos. 326.