Dictionary entry

Ransack

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ran″sack (–săk), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Ransacked (–săkt); p. pr. & vb. n.Ransacking.] [OE. ransaken, Icel. rannsaka to explore, examine; rann a house (akin to Goth. razn house, AS. ræsn plank, beam) + the root of sækja 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.

Rich spoil of ransacked chastity. Spenser.