In*ves"ti*gate (?), v. t. [imp.
& p. p. Investigated (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Investigating.] [L. investigatus, p. p. of
investigare to investigate; pref. in- in +
vestigare to track, trace. See Vestige.] To follow
up step by step by patient inquiry or observation; to trace or track
mentally; to search into; to inquire and examine into with care and
accuracy; to find out by careful inquisition; as, to
investigate the causes of natural phenomena.
In*ves"ti*gate, v. i. To pursue a
course of investigation and study; to make investigation.