[ad. L. explōrātiōn-em, n. of action f. explōrāre to EXPLORE.]
† 1. The action of examining; investigation, scrutiny. Obs.
1543–4. Act 35 Hen. VIII., c. 10. Sir William Bowyer … by diligente searche and exploration founde out dyuers greatte and plentyfull sprynges, at Hampsted heath.
1601–2. Fulbecke, 1st Pt. Parall., To Rdr. ** j. Men … who might by exploration seuer the drosse from the gold.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., V. xxi. § 20. 271. It [the use of the divining rod] is a fruitlesse exploration, strongly senting of Pagan derivation.
a. 1656. Vines, Lord’s Supp. (1677), 413. For the exploration only of their competency of knowledge.
1690. Boyle, Med. Hydrostat., Wks. 1772, V. 463. Our hydrostatical way of exploration.
b. Med. and Surg. The examination of an organ, a wound, etc., by the use of the finger, probe, or other physical appliance.
1860. in Mayne, Expos. Lex.
1870. W. Bodenhamer (title), The Physical Exploration of the Rectum.
1884. in Syd. Soc. Lex.
2. The action of exploring (a country, district, place, etc.); an instance of this. Also transf.
1823. Lamb, Elia, Praise Chimney-sweepers, 257. A lost chimney sweeper … tired with his tedious explorations … laid his black head upon the pillow.
1872. Jenkinson, Guide Eng. Lakes (1879), 299. This side of the Scawfell Pikes is deserving exploration.
1880. Haughton, Phys. Geog., v. 222. The exploration of the sources of the Blue Nile.
attrib. 1891. Pall Mall Gaz., 11 Nov., 5/2. He [Mr. H. M. Stanley] would … resume exploration work in Africa.
