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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.