The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Search \Search\, n. [Cf. OF. cerche. See Search, v. t.]
   The act of seeking or looking for something; quest; inquiry;
   pursuit for finding something; examination.
   [1913 Webster]

         Thus the orb he roamed
         With narrow search, and with inspection deep
         Considered every creature.               --Milton.
   [1913 Webster]

         Nor did my search of liberty begin
         Till my black hairs were changed upon my chin.
                                                  --Dryden.
   [1913 Webster]

   Right of search (Mar. Law), the right of the lawfully
      commissioned cruisers of belligerent nations to examine
      and search private merchant vessels on the high seas, for
      the enemy's property or for articles contraband of war.

   Search warrant (Law), a warrant legally issued, authorizing
      an examination or search of a house, or other place, for
      goods stolen, secreted, or concealed.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Scrutiny; examination; exploration; investigation;
        research; inquiry; quest; pursuit.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

right of search
    n 1: the right of a belligerent to stop neutral ships on the
         high seas in wartime and search them