[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That explores.
1680. Boyle, Produc. Chem. Princ., Pref. To doubt whether they be agreeable,… to … the exploring Experiments of the fire.
1761. W. Shirley, 12 Serm., iv. 71. He that first breathed into it this curiously exploring desire.
Hence Exploringly adv.
1831. J. Banim, Smuggler, III. 95. Sam Geeson’s friend pushed onward, exploringly, therefore, unconscious of fear.
1845. Hartford Daily Courant, 30 Jan., 2/1.
| But first I thought I slightly would survey | |
| The scene below, and then exploringly, | |
| The upper chambers view, and picture gallery. |
1866. Alger, Solit. Nat. & Man, II. 79. To go exploringly forwards into the obscure future.
1889. ‘L. Keith,’ Hurricane in Petticoats, I. viii. 167. Teddy looked at him exploringly, as if to test the sincerity of the apology.
