v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. & (foll. by in, through, among) intr. search, esp. untidily and unsystematically.
2 tr. (foll. by out, up) find among other things.
3 tr. (foll. by about) disarrange; make untidy in searching.
--n.
1. an instance of rummaging.
2 things found by rummaging; a miscellaneous accumulation.
Phrases and idioms:
rummage sale esp. US a jumble sale.
Derivatives:
rummager n.
Etymology: earlier as noun in obs. sense 'arranging of casks etc. in a hold': OF arrumage f. arrumer stow (as AD-, run ship's hold f. MDu. ruim ROOM)