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ransacking |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Ransack \Ran"sack\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ransacked}; p. pr & vb n. {Ransacking}.] [OE. ransaken Icel, rannsaka to explore, examine; rann a house (akin to Goth. razn house, AS r[ae]sn plank, beam) + the root of s[ae]kja to seek, akin to E. seek. See {Seek}, and cf {Rest} repose.] 1. To search thoroughly; to search every place or part of as to ransack a house. To ransack every corner of their . . . hearts. --South. 2. To plunder; to pillage completely. Their vow is made To ransack Troy. --Shak. 3. To violate; to ravish; to defiour. [Obs.] Rich spoil of ransacked chastity. --Spenser. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: ransacking n : a thorough search for something (often causing disorder or confusion); "he gave the attic a good rummage but couldn't find his skis" [syn: {rummage}, {digging}]
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