Search , n. [Cf. OF. cerche. See Search, v. t.]
The act of seeking or
looking for something; quest; inquiry; pursuit for finding something; examination.
Thus the orb
he roamed
With narrow search, and with inspection deep
Considered every creature.
Milton.
Nor did my search of liberty begin
Till my black hairs were changed upon my chin.
Dryden. 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.
Syn. -- Scrutiny; examination; exploration; investigation; research; inquiry; quest; pursuit.
Search , v. i. To seek; to look
for something; to make inquiry, exploration, or examination; to hunt.
Once more search with me.
Shak. It sufficeth that they have once with care sifted the matter, and searched into all the
particulars.
Locke.
Search (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Searched (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Searching.]
[OE. serchen,
cerchen, OF. cerchier, F. chercher, L. circare to go about,
fr. L. circum,
circa, around. See
Circle.] 1. To look over
or through, for the purpose of finding something; to examine; to explore; as, to search the city. "Search the Scriptures." John v. 39.
They are come to
search the house.
Shak.
Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Ps. cxxxix. 23.
2. To inquire after; to look for; to seek.
I will both
search my sheep, and seek them out.
Ezek. xxxiv. 11.
Enough is left besides to search and know.
Milton. 3. To examine or explore by feeling with an instrument; to probe; as,
to search a wound.
4. To examine; to try; to put to the test.
To search out, to seek till
found; to find by seeking; as, to search out truth.
Syn. --
To explore; examine; scrutinize; seek; investigate; pry into; inquire.
Hear it pronounced