scrounge

Etymology

1915, alteration of dialectal scrunge ("to search stealthily, rummage, pilfer") (1909), of uncertain origin, perhaps from dialectal scringe ("to pry about"); or perhaps related to scrouge, scrooge ("push, jostle") (1755, also Cockney slang for "a crowd"), probably suggestive of screw, squeeze. Popularized by the military in World War I.

verb

1. (intransitive, transitive) To hunt about, especially for something of nominal value; to scavenge or glean.
   scrounge for food
   Now you don't seem so proud about having to be scrounging your next meal. 1965, Bob Dylan (lyrics and music), “Like a Rolling Stone”
2. (intransitive) To obtain something of moderate or inconsequential value from another.
   As long as he's got someone who'll let him scrounge off them, he'll never settle down and get a full-time job.

noun

1. Someone who scrounges; a scrounger.