fossick, v. i. [Dial. E. fossick, fossuck, a troublesome person, fussick to potter over one's work, fussock to bustle about; of uncertain origin. Cf. Fuss.].
To search for gold by picking at stone or earth or among roots in isolated spots, picking over abandoned workings, etc.; hence, to steal gold or auriferous matter from another's claim. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
To search about; to rummage.
"A man who has fossicked in nature's byways."
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]