search

v. i. To seek; to look for something; to make inquiry, exploration, or examination; to hunt. [ 1913 Webster ]

Once more search with me. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

It sufficeth that they have once with care sifted the matter, and searched into all the particulars. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. OF. cerche. See Search, v. t. ] The act of seeking or looking for something; quest; inquiry; pursuit for finding something; examination. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thus the orb he roamed
With narrow search, and with inspection deep
Considered every creature. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor did my search of liberty begin
Till my black hairs were changed upon my chin. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Right of search (Mar. Law), the right of the lawfully commissioned cruisers of belligerent nations to examine and search private merchant vessels on the high seas, for the enemy's property or for articles contraband of war. --
Search warrant (Law), a warrant legally issued, authorizing an examination or search of a house, or other place, for goods stolen, secreted, or concealed. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Scrutiny; examination; exploration; investigation; research; inquiry; quest; pursuit. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being searched. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Quality of being searchable. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. OF. cercheor inspector. ] One who, or that which, searches or examines; a seeker; an inquirer; an examiner; a trier. Specifically: (a) Formerly, an officer in London appointed to examine the bodies of the dead, and report the cause of death. Graunt. (b) An officer of the customs whose business it is to search ships, merchandise, luggage, etc. (c) An inspector of leather. [ Prov. Eng. ] (d) (Gun.) An instrument for examining the bore of a cannon, to detect cavities. (e) An implement for sampling butter; a butter trier. (j) (Med.) An instrument for feeling after calculi in the bladder, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Exploring thoroughly; scrutinizing; penetrating; trying; as, a searching discourse; a searching eye. “Piercing, searching, biting, cold.” Dickens. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Search"ing*ly, adv. -- Search"ing*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Impossible to be searched; inscrutable; impenetrable. [ 1913 Webster ]