I.to look at attentively, with respect, desire, etc.
I. Lit. (rare but class.): hicine est Telamon, quem aspectabant, Enn. ap. Cic. Tusc. 3, 18, 39: “Quid me adspectas, stolide?” Plaut. Am. 4, 2, 8: “Estne ita ut tibi dixi? Adspecta et contempla,” Plaut. Ep. 5, 1, 16; id. As. 5, 1, 13; id. Am. 1, 1, 114: Quid me aspectas? Quid taces? Ter Eun. 3, 5, 12: Quid me aspectas? * Cic. Planc. 42 Illum aspectari, claro qui incedit honore, is gazed upon, * Lucr. 3, 76: Et stabula aspectans regnis excessit avitis, and looking back upon (with regret), etc., Verg. G. 3, 228; id. A. 6, 186; 10, 251.—
II. Trop.
A. To observe, regard, pay attention to a thing jussa principis aspectare, Tac. A. 1, 4.—
B. Of places as objects, to look towards, overlook, lie towards (cf. specto) collis, qui adversas aspectat desuper arces, Verg. A. 1, 420: “mare, quod Hiberniam insulam aspectat,” Tac. A. 12, 32.