(UK, Australia) To search for gold, gems, etc., on the surface or in abandonded workings.
1902, State experiments in Australia and New Zealand, Volume 2,In New South Wales the bureau has been able to dispose of a large contingent of the workless by sending them to fossick for gold on old or deserted goldfields.
1994, Ron Moon, Outback Australia: a Lonely Planet Australia guide,The best way to fossick on old dumps is to either sieve material from untouched areas or drag down the sides with a rake. You can also find gemstones by closely examining the surface without necessarily disturbing it.
2003, Susannah Farfor, David Andrew, Hugh Finlay, Northern Territory,In order to fossick you must first obtain a fossicking permit; see relevant sections for price. Permission to fossick on freehold land and mineral leases must be obtained from the owner or leaseholder.
(UK, Australian) To search for something; to rummage.
1924, John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, The Three Hostages,I dined alone and sat after dinner in the smoking-room, for Odell never suggested the library, though I would have given a lot to fossick about that place.
1980, Barbara Pepworth, Early Marks,I could have built a better fire myself but I was too cold when we arrived to fossick around for twigs. I went back to the warm car and let Neil and Henry fossick. Playing the dumb broad is profitable too.
2010, Marlish Glorie, The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street,He began to fossick again, shifting the bars of soap around until he became aware of something moving behind him.
