The Collaborative International Dictionary
Search \Search\, n. [Cf. OF. cerche. See Search, v. t.] The act of seeking or looking for something; quest; inquiry; pursuit for finding something; examination.
Thus the orb he roamed
With narrow search, and with inspection deep
Considered every creature.
--Milton.
Nor did my search of liberty begin
Till my black hairs were changed upon my chin.
--Dryden.
Right of search (Mar. Law), the right of the lawfully commissioned cruisers of belligerent nations to examine and search private merchant vessels on the high seas, for the enemy's property or for articles contraband of war.
Search warrant (Law), a warrant legally issued, authorizing an examination or search of a house, or other place, for goods stolen, secreted, or concealed.
Syn: Scrutiny; examination; exploration; investigation; research; inquiry; quest; pursuit.
WordNet
n. the right of a belligerent to stop neutral ships on the high seas in wartime and search them
Usage examples of "right of search".
These gaolers--owning right of search, entry into cells at all hours, and other droits of seigneury--were responsible only to the Commandant, who was responsible only to the Governor, that is to say, to nobody but God and his own conscience.