sifting

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To separate with a sieve, as the fine part of a substance from the coarse; as, to sift meal or flour; to sift powder; to sift sand or lime. [1913 Webster]

2.To separate or part as if with a sieve. [1913 Webster]

When yellow sands are sifted from below, The glittering billows give a golden show.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

3.To examine critically or minutely; to scrutinize. [1913 Webster]

Sifting the very utmost sentence and syllable.— Hooker.[1913 Webster]

Opportunity I here have had To try thee, sift thee.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

Let him but narrowly sift his ideas.— I. Taylor.[1913 Webster]

To sift out, to search out with care, as if by sifting. [1913 Webster]