v. & n.
v.tr. (past and past part. found) 1 a discover by chance or effort (found a key). b become aware of. c (absol.) discover game, esp. a fox. 2 a get possession of by chance (found a treasure). b obtain, receive (idea found acceptance). c succeed in obtaining (cannot find the money; can't find time to read). d summon up (found courage to protest). e sl. steal. 3 a seek out and provide (will find you a book). b supply, furnish (each finds his own equipment). 4 ascertain by study or calculation or inquiry (could not find the answer). 5 a perceive or experience (find no sense in it; find difficulty in breathing). b (often in passive) recognize or discover to be present (the word is not found in Shakespeare). c regard or discover from experience (finds England too cold; you'll find it pays; find it impossible to reply). 6 Law (of a jury, judge, etc.) decide and declare (found him guilty; found that he had done it; found it murder). 7 reach by a natural or normal process (water finds its own level). 8 a (of a letter) reach (a person). b (of an address) be adequate to enable a letter etc. to reach (a person). 9 archaic reach the conscience of.
n. 1 a a discovery of treasure, minerals, etc. b Hunting the finding of a fox. 2 a thing or person discovered, esp. when of value. all found (of an employee's wages) with board and lodging provided free. find against Law decide against (a person), judge to be guilty. find fault see FAULT. find favour prove acceptable. find one's feet 1 become able to walk. 2 develop one's independent ability. find for Law decide in favour of (a person), judge to be innocent. find it in one's heart (esp. with neg.; foll. by to + infin.) prevail upon oneself, be willing. find oneself 1 discover that one is (woke to find myself in hospital; found herself agreeing). 2 discover one's vocation. 3 provide for one's own needs. find out 1 discover or detect (a wrongdoer etc.). 2 (often foll. by about) get information (find out about holidays abroad). 3 discover (find out where we are). 4 (often foll. by about) discover the truth, a fact, etc. (he never found out). 5 devise. 6 solve. find-spot Archaeol. the place where an object is found. find one's way 1 (often foll. by to) manage to reach a place. 2 (often foll. by into) be brought or get. findable adj.
[ OE findan f. Gmc ]