[f. as prec. + -ING1.] The action of the vb. EXPLORE. Also attrib., as in exploring needle, trochar, surgical instruments for ‘exploring’ tumors, etc.
1841–4. Emerson, Ess., Manners, Wks. (Bohn), I. 203. Our Exploring Expedition saw the Feejee Islanders getting their dinner off human bones.
1863. Fr. A. Kemble, Resid. in Georgia, 261. I went on an exploring expedition round some distant fields.
1872. Jenkinson, Guide Eng. Lakes (1879), 326. Deepdale is wild and beautiful … and will repay exploring.
1883. Stevenson, Treasure Isl., II. xii. 96. When you want to go a bit of exploring, you just ask old John, and he’ll put up a snack for you to take along.
1884. Syd. Soc. Lex., Exploring needle, trochar.
