0 present participle of sift
1 to put flour, sugar, etc. through a sieve (= wire net shaped like a bowl) to break up large pieces:
2 to make a close examination of all the parts of something in order to find something or to separate what is useful from what is not:
The usual methodology is to uphold the dictionary definitions while sifting through the historical archive for patterns or behavior that conform to or contradict the model.
Surely, then, the theological assumptions that are of most interest are those that remain after the process of sifting and checking for consistency has been completed.
After an initial sifting, the fine ashes were mixed with the bricks as part of the firing element, while the breeze or cinder was used as fuel for the kilns.
Still, he shows here once again his uncanny ability in sifting through documentary material with an eye for the revealing episode and the telltale behaviour.
All those appointed were experienced at sifting through complex issues and coming to reasonable conclusions based on evidence presented to them.
By carefully sifting through a wide range of archival accounts (including mission accounts), the author has performed a very valuable service.
When sifting through the evidence, however, it is important not to miss the wood for the trees.
This process of thorough searching for information can be very resource intensive, requiring staff time for searching and sifting the results.
