1. to search for gold or precious stones in abandoned workings or waste heaps
Usage: chiefly Australian and New Zealand
2. to search around or rummage for something
Usage: chiefly Australian and New Zealand; informal

Examples

• He fossicks for opals in the old mine shafts.
• The prospector fossicks through the tailings looking for overlooked gems.
• She fossicks around in her bag for her keys.
• They spent the afternoon fossicking in the antique shop.
• The children fossick through the toy box for their favorite games.
• Tourists often fossick for sapphires at the designated sites.