rummage

 
Pronunciation: /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/

verb

[no object]
  • search unsystematically and untidily through something: he rummaged in his pocket for a handkerchief [with object]: he rummaged the drawer for his false teeth
  • [with object] find (something) by rummaging: Mick rummaged up his skateboard
  • [with object] (of a customs officer) make a thorough search of (a vessel): our brief was to rummage as many of the vessels as possible

noun

  • an unsystematic and untidy search: open up the box and have a rummage around
  • a thorough search of a vessel by a customs officer: a rummage of the vessel revealed eighty cases of cigars

Derivatives

rummager

noun

Origin:

late 15th century: from Old French arrumage, from arrumer 'stow (in a hold)', from Middle Dutch ruim 'room'. In early use the word referred to the arranging of items such as casks in the hold of a ship, giving rise (early 17th century) to the verb sense 'make a search of (a vessel')