[fos.sick] vb [E dial. fossick to ferret out] vi (1852) 1 Austral & NewZeal: to search for gold or gemstones typically by picking over abandoned workings
2. chiefly Austral & NewZeal: to search about: rummage ~ vt, chiefly Austral & NewZeal: to search for by or as if by rummaging: ferret out -- fos.sick.er n, chiefly Austral & NewZeal