v.
 (digs, digging; past and past part. dug)
     - break up and move earth with a tool or with hands, paws, etc. 
▸make (a hole) by digging.
 ▸extract from the ground by digging.
 ▸
(dig in)
 (of a soldier) protect oneself by making a trench or similar ground defence.
 ▸excavate (an archaeological site).
 - push or poke sharply:
 he dug his hands into his pockets.
 - search, rummage, or investigate. 
▸
(dig something out/up)
 bring out or discover something after a search.
 - 
(dig in)
 begin eating heartily.
 - informal, dated like or appreciate.
 
n.
   - an act or spell of digging. 
▸an archaeological excavation.
 - a sharp push or poke.
 - informal a mocking or critical remark.
 
 
  Phrase
  
    - dig up dirt
 informal discover and reveal damaging information about someone.  - dig oneself into a hole
 get oneself into an awkward or restrictive situation.  - dig in one's heels
 stubbornly refuse to give in. 
   
  Etymology
  ME: perh. from OE dīc ‘ditch’.