Definition of "delving"

The purpose of my visit, and the frightful abnormalities it postulated struck at me all at once with a chill sensation that nearly over-balanced my ardour for strange delvings.

1931, H. P. Lovecraft, chapter 6, in The Whisperer in Darkness

Doubtless, as has happened to others, her motives were sometimes misunderstood by those who may have looked with suspicion upon these delvings into pagan practice and belief, but they have been fully justified.

1968, E. Dora Earthy, Valenge Women