'Ransacking' definitions:
Definition of 'ransacking'
From: WordNet
noun
A thorough search for something (often causing disorder or confusion); "he gave the attic a good rummage but couldn't find his skis" [syn: ransacking, rummage]
Definition of 'Ransacking'
From: GCIDE
- Ransack \Ran"sack\ (r[a^]n"s[a^]k), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ransacked (-s[a^]kt); 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. [1913 Webster]
- To ransack every corner of their . . . hearts. --South. [1913 Webster]
- 2. To plunder; to pillage completely. [1913 Webster]
- Their vow is made To ransack Troy. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- 3. To violate; to ravish; to defiour. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
- Rich spoil of ransacked chastity. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]