With finding something as a purpose. transitive. To search (a person) for something stolen or missing. Obsolete.

transitive. To examine or inspect (a person or his or her clothes, pockets, bags, etc.) in order to find any concealed items. Now usually with…

slang. To search (a person or place); esp. to run the hand rapidly over (a person or his clothing), in a search for a concealed weapon, stolen…

transitive. colloquial. To search (a person) by passing one's hand all over the body; to frisk. Cf. to pat down at pat, v.1 3c.

To search, rummage. Obsolete exc. Scottish.

Of a pickpocket or police officer: to search the pockets of (a person); to frisk. Now rare.

slang. To feel, handle. Also = frisk, v. 4a.

transitive. Originally U.S. to pat down: to frisk (a person).

transitive. Esp. at an airport: to search or check (a person, bag, etc.) for dangerous, prohibited, or dutiable items. Cf. screener, n. 4.