(figuratively) To rummage; to look for something in a somewhat aimless fashion.
I'm rooting about for ideas for a novel.
Wiktionary
Root-about Sentence Examples
They are easily propagated by divisions of the root or by seeds; great care should be taken not to leave pieces of the root about owing to its very poisonous character.
In France, Carbonarism began to take root about 1820, and was more thoroughly organized than in Italy.
They commonly root about in muddy bottoms, which may make ponds turbid.
