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scrounge around

 - 3 dictionary results

scrounge

  [skrounj] verb, scrounged, scroung⋅ing, noun
Use scrounge around in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to borrow (a small amount or item) with no intention of repaying or returning it: to scrounge a cigarette.
2. to gather together by foraging; seek out: We'll try to scrounge enough food for supper from the neighbors.
–verb (used without object)
3. to borrow, esp. a small item one is not expected to return or replace.
–noun
4. a habitual borrower; sponger.
5. an act or instance of scrounging.
6. a person who exists by foraging. Also, scrounger (for defs. 4, 6).
—Verb phrase
7. scrounge around, to search or forage for something, esp. in a haphazard or disorganized fashion; hunt for: We scrounged around for something to eat.
Origin:
1905–10; alter. of dial. scringe to glean
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

scrounge 
"to acquire by irregular means," 1915, alteration of dialectal scrunge "to search stealthily, rummage, pilfer" (1909), of uncertain origin, perhaps from dial. scringe "to pry about." Popularized by the military in World War I. Perhaps related to scrouge, scrooge "push, jostle" (1755, Cockney slang for "a crowd"), probably suggestive of screw, squeeze.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

scrounge around

Forage about in an effort to obtain something at no cost, as in We scrounged around their kitchen looking for a snack. It derives from the dialectal scrunge, "steal." [Colloquial; c. 1900]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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