Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Rummage \Rum"mage\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Rummaged}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Rummaging}.]
   1. (Naut.) To make room in, as a ship, for the cargo; to move
      about, as packages, ballast, so as to permit close
      stowage; to stow closely; to pack; -- formerly written
      {roomage}, and {romage}. [Obs.]

            They might bring away a great deal more than they
            do, if they would take pain in the romaging.
                                                  --Hakluyt.

   2. To search or examine thoroughly by looking into every
      corner, and turning over or removing goods or other
      things; to examine, as a book, carefully, turning over
      leaf after leaf.

            He . . . searcheth his pockets, and taketh his keys,
            and so rummageth all his closets and trunks.
                                                  --Howell.

            What schoolboy of us has not rummaged his Greek
            dictionary in vain for a satisfactory account! --M.
                                                  Arnold.