[delv] 
verb, delved, delv⋅ing.| 1. | to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate: to delve into the issue of prison reform. |
| 2. | Archaic. to dig, as with a spade. |
| 3. | Archaic. to dig; excavate. |
| delve (dělv) v. delved, delv·ing, delves v. intr.
Archaic To dig (ground) with a spade. [Middle English delven, to dig, from Old English delfan.] delv'er n. |