The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Peruse \Pe*ruse"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Perused; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Perusing.] [Pref. per- + use.]
   1. To observe; to examine with care. [R.]
      [1913 Webster]

            Myself I then perused, and limb by limb
            Surveyed.                             --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To read through; to read carefully. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

perusing
    n 1: reading carefully with intent to remember [syn: perusal,
         perusing, poring over, studying]