† ˈsearchant, a. and vbl. n. nonce-wd.
[f. search v. + -ant, after rampant, etc.]
a. adj. As a mock-heraldic term: Searching. b. vbl. n. Used for rime (after Fr. gerunds).
| 1614 B. Jonson Barth. Fair Induct., A ciuill Cutpurse searchant. 1683 Robin Consc. in Songs Lond. Prentices (Percy Soc.) 79 A merchant Was so affrighted when I came, That presently he blush'd for shame, His countenance did show the same in searchant. |