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rummage definition

rum·mage (rum′ij)

noun

  1. miscellaneous articles; odds and ends
  2. a rummaging, or thorough search

Etymology: aphetic < MFr arrumage < arrumer, to stow cargo in the hold < aruner, to arrange < run, rum, ship's hold < Frank *rum, akin to OE rum, room

transitive verb rummaged -·maged, rummaging -·mag·ing

  1. to search through (a place, receptacle, etc.) thoroughly, esp. by moving the contents about, turning them over, etc.; ransack
  2. to get, find, or turn up by or as by searching thoroughly: with up or out

intransitive verb

to search diligently, now sometimes haphazardly, as through the contents of a receptacle

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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