nose around

verb3

1. •
   (informal) To browse; to look at, especially to satisfy one's curiosity.

   • As you may now realise, it has become my habit to get a feel of a racecourse by nosing around the local churches. — 2004
2. •
   (informal) To snoop around; to discreetly or covertly search or examine a place or situation.

   • The state had no business nosing around in people's sexual lives. — 2004
3. •
   (informal) Of an animal, to explore using the nose.

   • We lay quietly while the bear nosed around outside only two feet away from our heads, then wandered away. — 1989