fossick

[ fos-ik ]

verb (used without object)

1. Mining. to undermine another's digging; search for waste gold in relinquished workings, washing places, etc.
2. to search for any object by which to make gain:

   to fossick for clients.

verb (used with object)

1. to hunt; seek; ferret out.

fossick

/ ˈfɒsɪk /

verb

1. intr to search for gold or precious stones in abandoned workings, rivers, etc
2. to rummage or search for (something)

Derived Forms

• ˈfossicker, noun

Other Words From

• fossick·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fossick¹

First recorded in 1850–55; origin uncertain; compare British dialect fossick “troublesome person,” fussick, fursick “to bustle about, fidget”; apparently fuss + -ick, variant of -ock

Word History and Origins

Origin of fossick¹

C19: Australian, probably from English dialect fussock to bustle about, from fuss

Example Sentences

Major Davis plays the violin a little, and we are going to fossick others out.

From Project Gutenberg

What Mr. Wake, Mr. Fossick, Mr. Fyle, who had all been out the day before?

From Project Gutenberg