Delve v. t. [imp. & p. p. Delved p. pr. & vb. n. Delving.]
1. To dig; to open (the ground) as with a spade.
Delve of convenient depth your thrashing floor. --Dryden.
2. To dig into; to penetrate; to trace out; to fathom.
I can not delve him to the root. --Shak.