nosing

Etymology

verb

1. present participle and gerund of nose

noun

1. An animal's pushing or exploration with the nose.
   The hours of the day often follow such a beginning like a wagging tail follows through the nosings and affections and fireside dreamings of a happy dog. 1982, Dave Hughes, An Angler's Astoria
2. That part of the treadboard of a stair that projects over the riser.
3. Any similar projection, such as the projecting edge of a moulding.