'rummage' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'arrumer,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'rumer' meant 'to stow cargo.'

'arrumer' transformed into the English word 'rummage' and eventually became the modern English word 'rummage' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to stow cargo,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to search unsystematically.'