A rapid search for concealed weapons, stolen goods, etc., esp. one conducted by running the hand hastily over a person's clothing. slang (chiefly U.S.…

In senses of the verb.

A search for items concealed about a person, made by patting the clothing.

British Police slang and Prison slang. A search of a person or (esp.) a place for stolen goods, illegal substances, etc. Cf. spin, v.