I. rum ‧ mage 1 /ˈrʌmɪdʒ/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
( also rummage around/about ) to search for something by moving things around in a careless or hurried way
rummage in/through etc
Looks like someone’s been rummaging around in my desk.
II. rummage 2 BrE AmE noun
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: arrimage 'arranging the load in a ship' ]
1 . [countable usually singular] informal a careless or hurried search for something:
Have a rummage in my jewellery box and see if you can find something you like.
2 . [uncountable] especially American English old clothes, toys etc that you no longer want SYN jumble British English