Cruise v. i. [imp. & p. p. Cruised p. pr. & vb. n. Cruising.]
 1. To sail back and forth on the ocean; to sail, as for the protection of commerce, in search of an enemy, for plunder, or for pleasure.
 Note: ☞ A ship cruises in any particular sea or ocean; as, in the Baltic or in the Atlantic.  She cruises off any cape; as, off the Lizard; off Ushant.  She cruises on a coast; as, on the coast of Africa.  A pirate cruises to seize vessels; a yacht cruises for the pleasure of the owner.
    Ships of war were sent to cruise near the isle of Bute.   --Macaulay.
    'Mid sands, and rocks, and storms to cruise for pleasure.   --Young.
 2. To wander hither and thither on land. [Colloq.]
 3. Forestry To inspect forest land for the purpose of estimating the quantity of lumber it will yield.