Ferreting

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Ferret \Fer"ret\, n. [Ital. foretto, dim. of fiore flower; or F.
   fleuret. Cf. {Floret}.]
   A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of
   cotton or silk; -- called also {ferreting}.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Ferret \Fer"ret\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ferreted}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Ferreting}.] [Cf. F. fureter. See {Ferret}, n.]
   To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the
   cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; --
   often used with out; as, to ferret out a secret.
   [1913 Webster]

         Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
                                                  --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]