grope

Meanings

Verb

• To feel with or use the hands; to handle.
• To search or attempt to find something in the dark, or, as a blind person, by feeling; to move about hesitatingly, as in darkness or obscurity; to feel one's way, as with the hands, when one can not see.
• To touch (another person) closely and (especially) sexually.
• To intentionally and inappropriately touch another person, in such a manner as to make the contact appear accidental, for the purpose of one's sexual gratification.
• To examine; to test; to sound.

Noun

• An act of groping, especially sexually.
• An iron fitting of a medieval cart wheel.

Origin

• From Middle English gropien, from Old English grāpian, related to grīpan (whence English gripe); compare also grip.