root about

present singular third person roots about · participle present rooting about · participle past rooted about · past rooted about

1. literalTo forage by poking the snout here and there.

   Synonyms: root around

2. To search for something in a similar manner.

   Besides, the father would not give him leave to go, for he said it was no use his trying, who had so little sense; all he could do was to sit in a corner on the hearth, like a cat, rooting about in the ashes and cutting chips.

   1886, Peter Christen Asbjø￵rnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 271

3. figurativelyTo rummage; to look for something in a somewhat aimless fashion.

   I'm rooting about for ideas for a novel

   Synonyms: root around, rummage, rootle