From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Cruise \Cruise\ (kr[udd]z), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Cruised}
(kr[udd]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Cruising}.] [D. kruisen to move
crosswise or in a zigzag, to cruise, fr. kruis cross, fr. OF.
crois, croiz, F. croix, or directly fr. OF. croisier, F.
croiser, to cross, cruise, fr. crois a cross. See {Cross}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To sail back and forth on the ocean; to sail, as for the
protection of commerce, in search of an enemy, for
plunder, or for pleasure.
[1913 Webster]
Note: A ship cruises in any particular sea or ocean; as, in
the Baltic or in the Atlantic. She cruises off any
cape; as, off the Lizard; off Ushant. She cruises on a
coast; as, on the coast of Africa. A pirate cruises to
seize vessels; a yacht cruises for the pleasure of the
owner.
[1913 Webster]
Ships of war were sent to cruise near the isle of
Bute. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
'Mid sands, and rocks, and storms to cruise for
pleasure. --Young.
[1913 Webster]
2. To wander hither and thither on land. [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
3. (Forestry) To inspect forest land for the purpose of
estimating the quantity of lumber it will yield.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
4. To travel primarily for pleasure, or without any fixed
purpose, rather than with the main goal of reaching a
particular destination. To cruise the streets of town,
looking for an interesting party to crash.
[PJC]
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