groping

Verb

grope (third-person singular simple present gropes, present participle groping, simple past and past participle groped)

1. (obsolete) To feel with or use the hands; to handle.

   Synonyms:

   touch

2. To search or attempt to find something in the dark, or, as a blind person, by feeling; to move about hesitatingly, as in darkness or obscurity; to feel one's way, as with the hands, when one can not see.
   • a. 1812. Joseph Stevens Buckminster, sermon
     to grope about a little longer among the miseries and sensualities of a worldly life

   Synonyms:

   fumble

3. To touch (another person) closely and (especially) sexually.
   • The parents found the couple kissing and groping.

   Synonyms:

   caress

4. To intentionally and inappropriately touch or rub against another person, in such a manner as to make the contact appear accidental, for the purpose of one's sexual gratification.
   • That old man groped that girl on the train!
5. (obsolete) To examine; to test; to sound.
   • Felix gropeth him, thinking to have a bribe.1557, Geneva Bible (Acts xxiv)

See all 7 meanings of grope