nosing

American  

[noh-zing] / ˈnoʊ zɪŋ /

noun

Architecture.

1. a projecting edge, as the part of the tread of a step extending beyond the riser or a projecting part of a buttress.

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nosing British  

/ ˈnəʊzɪŋ /

noun

1. the edge of a step or stair tread that projects beyond the riser

2. a projecting edge of a moulding, esp one that is half-round

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Etymology

Origin of nosing

First recorded in 1765–75; nose + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Bears, who can weigh up to half a ton and outrun humans, have been breaking into homes looking for food, nosing around schools and rampaging through supermarkets.

From Barron's

After a laborious setup of some 40 minutes, Blanc finally starts nosing around the scene.

From The Wall Street Journal

He was long overdue for a rise in rank, but for all his size and bluster, the captain disliked nosing about for promotions and salary increases.

From Literature

It’s funny, then, that the people nosing their way past the lines Allen draws and into her personal life are the same ones hoping for Harbour and Allen to be symbols of morality.

From Salon

“Waiting on the End of the World” is the standout of the three choices, nosing ahead because there’s a great guitar line that winds through and both grounds and elevates the song.

From Salon