[ noun ]
a thorough search for something (often causing disorder or confusion)
<noun.act>
he gave the attic a good rummage but couldn't find his skis

Ransack \Ran"sack\ (r[a^]n"s[a^]k), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Ransacked} (-s[a^]kt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Ransacking}.] [OE.
ransaken, Icel. rannsaka to explore, examine; rann a house
(akin to Goth. razn house, AS. r[ae]sn plank, beam) + the
root of s[ae]kja to seek, akin to E. seek. See {Seek}, and
cf. {Rest} repose.]
1. To search thoroughly; to search every place or part of;
as, to ransack a house.

To ransack every corner of their . . . hearts.
--South.

2. To plunder; to pillage completely.

Their vow is made
To ransack Troy. --Shak.

3. To violate; to ravish; to defiour. [Obs.]

Rich spoil of ransacked chastity. --Spenser.