properly denotes the searching or finding out any thing by the tracks or prints of the feet; whence mathematicians, schoolmen, and grammarians, come to use the term in their respective researches.

INVESTING a PLACE, is when a general, having an intention to besiege it, detaches a body of horse to possess all the avenues; blocking up the garrison, and preventing relief from getting into the place, till the army and artillery are got up to form the siege.