 1 definition found
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Rummage \Rum"mage\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Rummaged}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Rummaging}.]
1. (Naut.) To make room in, as a ship, for the cargo; to move
about, as packages, ballast, so as to permit close
stowage; to stow closely; to pack; -- formerly written
{roomage}, and {romage}. [Obs.]
They might bring away a great deal more than they
do, if they would take pain in the romaging.
--Hakluyt.
2. To search or examine thoroughly by looking into every
corner, and turning over or removing goods or other
things; to examine, as a book, carefully, turning over
leaf after leaf.
He . . . searcheth his pockets, and taketh his keys,
and so rummageth all his closets and trunks.
--Howell.
What schoolboy of us has not rummaged his Greek
dictionary in vain for a satisfactory account! --M.
Arnold.
|
