The term 'SEARCHED (THROUGH)' can be described by two crossword solutions: 'RUMMAGED' (8 letters) and 'SIFTED' (6 letters). Rummaging is the act of searching through something in a disorderly manner, often with your hands. Sifting is the process of separating out the finer particles from a mixture, usually by passing it through a sieve or other device. Both terms imply a thorough search, and are often used when looking for something that has been lost or misplaced.