nosing

[ noh-zing ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. a projecting edge, as the part of the tread of a step extending beyond the riser or a projecting part of a buttress.

nosing

/ ˈnəʊzɪŋ /

noun

1. the edge of a step or stair tread that projects beyond the riser
2. a projecting edge of a moulding, esp one that is half-round

Word History and Origins

Origin of nosing¹

First recorded in 1765–75; nose + -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nosing¹

C18: from nose + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"When mami was pulled out of the cellar I had customers coming around to me and looking and nosing at what was going on."

From BBC

“Now, look here, little girl, what did I tell you about eavesdropping and nosing in grown folks' business?”

From Literature

The animal is poking her head through an aperture in her enclosure, nosing a thin computer monitor that’s displaying a livestock version of the “which one doesn’t belong?” game.

From Science Magazine

A night vision camera shows a bear nosing around her camp site.

From BBC

Then there are four slightly older puppies, pit bull mixes probably, whose eyes are still tightly shut, futilely nosing around the crate for their mother who never made it to the shelter.

From Los Angeles Times