diff --git a/lib/gamedata/artifact.txt b/lib/gamedata/artifact.txt
index 2090fef39a..85ab90e437 100644
--- a/lib/gamedata/artifact.txt
+++ b/lib/gamedata/artifact.txt
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ desc:it rests upon the bearer.
 #F:LIGHT
 #E:CLAIRVOYANCE:50+d50
 #M:The {kind} glow{s} a deep green...
-#V:INT[2] | WIS[2] | SEARCH[3] | INFRA[3] | LIGHT[3] | RES_CHAOS[1]
+#V:INT[2] | WIS[2] | INFRA[3] | LIGHT[3] | RES_CHAOS[1]
 #desc:A great globe with a heart of fire, the Palantír provides the wearer with 
 #desc:sight of far places - at a cost, for those espied upon are aware of it.
 
@@ -580,7 +580,7 @@ base-object:helm:Metal Cap
 info:55:20:45000
 alloc:8:55 to 100
 power:3:1d1:0:0:18
-values:SEARCH[3] | INT[2] | DEX[2]
+values:INT[2] | DEX[2]
 values:RES_FIRE[1] | RES_ACID[1] | RES_DISEN[1] | RES_SHARD[1]
 desc:A metal cap forged by the greatest Noldorin smith of the Second Age, 
 desc:this helm serves equally well in battle or at the forge, and its 
@@ -674,7 +674,7 @@ power:7:1d3:0:0:10
 flags:PROT_BLIND | PROT_CONF | SEE_INVIS
 act:DETECT_ALL
 time:55+d55
-values:INT[2] | WIS[2] | SEARCH[2]
+values:INT[2] | WIS[2]
 desc:A famous forged iron helm granting extraordinary powers of mind and 
 desc:awareness.
 
@@ -687,7 +687,7 @@ power:7:1d3:8:8:10
 # F: DRAIN_HP | 
 flags:PROT_FEAR | 
 flags:SEE_INVIS | FREE_ACT | AGGRAVATE | LIGHT_CURSE | HEAVY_CURSE
-values:SEARCH[-5] | INT[-3] | WIS[-3]
+values:INT[-3] | WIS[-3]
 desc:A headpiece, gaudy and barbaric, that betrayed a warrior when he most 
 desc:needed succor.
 
@@ -715,7 +715,7 @@ power:0:1d1:0:0:18
 # F: DRAIN_MANA
 flags:SEE_INVIS | FREE_ACT | PROT_STUN | PROT_BLIND
 # A:ANALYZE:50
-values:INT[3] | SEARCH[3] | DEX[2] | LIGHT[1]
+values:INT[3] | DEX[2] | LIGHT[1]
 values:RES_SHARD[1] | RES_COLD[1] | RES_LIGHT[1] | RES_DARK[1]
 desc:A massive golden crown, set with wondrous jewels of thought and warding, 
 desc:once worn by the kings of ancient Númenor.
@@ -1101,7 +1101,7 @@ info:20:150:40000
 alloc:5:20 to 80
 power:0:2d5:10:15:0
 flags:BLESSED | SLOW_DIGEST
-values:SEARCH[1] | LIGHT[1] | BRAND_FIRE[3] | SLAY_ORC[3] | SLAY_DEMON[3] |
+values:LIGHT[1] | BRAND_FIRE[3] | SLAY_ORC[3] | SLAY_DEMON[3] |
 values:SLAY_EVIL[2] | RES_FIRE[1] | RES_LIGHT[1]
 desc:This fiery, shining blade, mate to Orcrist, earned its sobriquet "Beater" 
 desc:from dying orcs who dared to behold hidden Gondolin.
@@ -1113,7 +1113,7 @@ info:20:150:45000
 alloc:3:20 to 100
 power:0:2d5:12:16:0
 flags:BLESSED | PROT_BLIND | SLOW_DIGEST
-values:SEARCH[1] | LIGHT[1] | BRAND_ELEC[3] | SLAY_ORC[3] | SLAY_TROLL[3] | 
+values:LIGHT[1] | BRAND_ELEC[3] | SLAY_ORC[3] | SLAY_TROLL[3] | 
 values:SLAY_GIANT[3] | RES_ELEC[1]
 desc:Like unto Orcrist and Glamdring, and like them long lost, this sword is 
 desc:continually covered in tiny arcs of captive lightning that flash and dance 
@@ -1126,7 +1126,7 @@ info:20:150:40000
 alloc:5:20 to 80
 power:0:2d5:10:15:0
 flags:BLESSED | SLOW_DIGEST
-values:SEARCH[3] | LIGHT[1] | BRAND_COLD[3] | SLAY_EVIL[2] | SLAY_ORC[3] |
+values:LIGHT[1] | BRAND_COLD[3] | SLAY_EVIL[2] | SLAY_ORC[3] |
 values:SLAY_DRAGON[3] | RES_COLD[1] | RES_DARK[1]
 desc:This coldly gleaming blade, mate to Glamdring, is called simply "Biter" 
 desc:by orcs who came to know its power all too well.
@@ -1853,7 +1853,7 @@ alloc:12:60 to 100
 power:0:2d8:12:18:0
 act:STONE_TO_MUD
 time:2
-values:TUNNEL[6] | INFRA[4] | SEARCH[4] | STR[4] | SLAY_ORC[3] | SLAY_TROLL[3]
+values:TUNNEL[6] | INFRA[4] | STR[4] | SLAY_ORC[3] | SLAY_TROLL[3]
 values:SLAY_GIANT[3] | SLAY_DRAGON[3] | RES_DARK[1] | RES_DISEN[1]
 desc:A mighty Dwarven mattock, as good for hewing orc-necks as for hewing 
 desc:stone.  Náin, King of the Iron Hills, brought his mattock-wielding 
@@ -1973,7 +1973,7 @@ desc: the main host.
 #info:65:3:90000
 #alloc:3:60 to 127
 #flags:PROT_FEAR | PROT_BLIND | PROT_STUN | PROT_CONF
-#values:SEARCH[4] | SPEED[2] | RES_ELEC[1] | RES_COLD[1]
+#values:SPEED[2] | RES_ELEC[1] | RES_COLD[1]
 #desc:The pendant of Amandil, the last Lord of Andúnië, and mighty
 #desc: ship-captain of Númenor. First among Númenóreans to see
 #desc: Sauron for what he was.
diff --git a/lib/gamedata/class.txt b/lib/gamedata/class.txt
index e6f128c53a..ff1a7b0554 100644
--- a/lib/gamedata/class.txt
+++ b/lib/gamedata/class.txt
@@ -40,11 +40,11 @@
 # 'stats' is for the stat modifiers - strength, intelligence, wisdom,
 # dexterity, constitution.
 
-# 'skill-<skill name>' is for skills - disarming, magic devices, saving throws,
-# stealth, searching ability, searching frequency, to hit (normal),
-# to hit (bows), to hit (throwing), digging.  The base entry is what the 
-# gets added to the character's skills at birth, the increments are added to
-# the base skill every ten levels.
+# 'skill-<skill name>' is for skills - physical and magical disarming,
+# magic devices, saving throws, stealth, to hit (normal), to hit (bows),
+# to hit (throwing), digging.  The base entry is what gets added to the
+# character's skills at birth, the increments are added to the base skill
+# every ten levels.
 
 # 'info' is for extra info - max. hitpoints gained per level, experience
 # factor in percent, base chance for pseudo-id (smaller is better),
diff --git a/lib/gamedata/ego_item.txt b/lib/gamedata/ego_item.txt
index e1da07aaf6..5cc813a3b3 100644
--- a/lib/gamedata/ego_item.txt
+++ b/lib/gamedata/ego_item.txt
@@ -353,8 +353,6 @@ info:0:2:2000:8
 alloc:50:10 to 60
 type:helm
 flags:PROT_BLIND | SEE_INVIS
-values:SEARCH[d5]
-min-values:SEARCH[0]
 
 name:31:of Infravision
 info:0:2:500:11
@@ -516,8 +514,8 @@ combat:d8:d3:0
 item:gloves:Set of Leather Gloves
 item:gloves:Set of Alchemist's Gloves
 flags:FEATHER | FREE_ACT
-values:DEX[1+M4] | SEARCH[1+d2M3]
-min-values:DEX[1] | SEARCH[2]
+values:DEX[1+M4]
+min-values:DEX[1]
 
 name:53:of Combat
 info:50:12:7000:22
diff --git a/lib/gamedata/object.txt b/lib/gamedata/object.txt
index f192efc1f5..c897e4e30f 100644
--- a/lib/gamedata/object.txt
+++ b/lib/gamedata/object.txt
@@ -1315,15 +1315,9 @@ alloc:40:75 to 100
 flags:GOOD
 values:SPEED[4+M6]
 
-name:195:Searching
-graphics:=:d
-type:ring
-properties:5:2:250
-alloc:20:5 to 90
-values:SEARCH[1+M5]
-
-### 196, sval 7
-### 197, sval 8
+### 195
+### 196
+### 197
 
 ### Stat sustain rings ###
 
@@ -1341,7 +1335,7 @@ properties:30:2:600
 alloc:20:30 to 100
 flags:SUST_STR | SUST_INT | SUST_WIS | EASY_KNOW
 
-### 200, sval 11
+### 200
 
 
 ### Resistance rings ###
@@ -1362,8 +1356,8 @@ alloc:50:10 to 50
 flags:IGNORE_COLD | IGNORE_FIRE | EASY_KNOW
 values:RES_FIRE[1] | RES_COLD[1]
 
-### 203, sval 14
-### 204, sval 15
+### 203
+### 204
 
 ### Elemental rings ###
 
@@ -1372,9 +1366,9 @@ graphics:=:d
 type:ring
 properties:0:2:400
 alloc:20:25 to 100
-values:SEARCH[1+M5] | LIGHT[1] | RES_LIGHT[1]
+values:LIGHT[1] | RES_LIGHT[1]
 
-### 206, sval 17
+### 206
 
 name:207:Flames
 graphics:=:d
@@ -1436,7 +1430,7 @@ effect:TIMED_INC:OPP_ELEC
 dice:20+1d20
 time:50+d50
 
-### 211, sval 22
+### 211
 
 ### Combat rings ###
 
@@ -1528,7 +1522,7 @@ alloc:50:10 to 50
 flags:PROT_FEAR | EASY_KNOW
 values:STEALTH[-2]
 
-### 222, sval 33
+### 222
 
 ### Misc rings ###
 
@@ -1585,7 +1579,7 @@ alloc:50:20 to 90
 flags:SUST_WIS | 
 values:WIS[1+M5]
 
-### 231, sval 2
+### 231
 
 ### Resistances ###
 
@@ -1633,7 +1627,7 @@ alloc:10:70 to 100
 combat:0:0d0:0:0:d5M5
 flags:FREE_ACT | SEE_INVIS | SUST_INT | PROT_BLIND | GOOD
 flags:IGNORE_ACID | IGNORE_ELEC | IGNORE_FIRE | IGNORE_COLD
-values:SEARCH[1+M3] | INT[1+M3]
+values:INT[1+M3]
 
 name:237:ESP
 graphics:":d
@@ -1642,7 +1636,6 @@ properties:50:3:25000
 alloc:10:60 to 100
 flags:TELEPATHY
 flags:IGNORE_ACID | IGNORE_ELEC | IGNORE_FIRE | IGNORE_COLD | 
-values:SEARCH[d5M5]
 
 name:238:Devotion
 graphics:":d
@@ -1667,12 +1660,12 @@ type:amulet
 properties:70:3:30000
 alloc:10:70 to 100
 flags:SUST_DEX | GOOD
-values:DEX[1+M4] | SPEED[1+M2] | STEALTH[1+M2] | SEARCH[1+d3M3] | INFRA[1+d3M3]
+values:DEX[1+M4] | SPEED[1+M2] | STEALTH[1+M2] | INFRA[1+d3M3]
 values:RES_NEXUS[1] | RES_POIS[1]
 
-# 241
-# 242
-# 243
+### 241
+### 242
+### 243
 
 ### Ability boosts ###
 
@@ -1690,12 +1683,7 @@ properties:10:3:200
 alloc:30:10 to 70
 values:INFRA[1+M5]
 
-name:246:Searching
-graphics:":d
-type:amulet
-properties:15:3:600
-alloc:20:10 to 40
-values:SEARCH[d5M5]
+### 246
 
 ### Powers ###
 
@@ -1908,7 +1896,7 @@ pile:25:2
 power:20
 effect:REMOVE_ALL_CURSE
 
-### 277, sval 18
+### 277
 
 ### Summoning ###
 
@@ -2227,7 +2215,7 @@ power:20000
 effect:RESTORE_STAT:CON
 effect:GAIN_STAT:CON
 
-### 315, sval 6
+### 315
 
 name:316:Augmentation
 graphics:!:d
diff --git a/lib/gamedata/p_race.txt b/lib/gamedata/p_race.txt
index 874f2d40d3..63e96333b9 100644
--- a/lib/gamedata/p_race.txt
+++ b/lib/gamedata/p_race.txt
@@ -31,10 +31,9 @@
 # 'stats' is for the stat modifiers - strength, intelligence, wisdom,
 # dexterity, constitution.
 
-# 'skill-<skill name>' is for skills that get added at birth.- disarming,
-# magic devices, saving throws, stealth, searching ability,
-# searching frequency, to hit (normal), to hit (bows), to hit (throwing),
-# digging.
+# 'skill-<skill name>' is for skills that get added at birth - physical
+# and magical disarming, magic devices, saving throws, stealth,
+# to hit (normal), to hit (bows), to hit (throwing), digging.
 
 # 'info' is for gameplay info - max. hitpoints gained per level, experience
 # factor in percent, range of infravision in 10 feet.
diff --git a/lib/gamedata/store.txt b/lib/gamedata/store.txt
index 79352435ea..2dd20727dd 100644
--- a/lib/gamedata/store.txt
+++ b/lib/gamedata/store.txt
@@ -196,7 +196,6 @@ always:magic book:[Magic for Beginners]
 always:magic book:[Conjurings and Tricks]
 always:magic book:[Incantations and Illusions]
 always:magic book:[Sorcery and Evocations]
-normal:ring:Searching
 normal:ring:Feather Falling
 normal:ring:Protection
 normal:amulet:Slow Digestion
diff --git a/src/list-object-modifiers.h b/src/list-object-modifiers.h
index 650d0f4706..4f26a30121 100644
--- a/src/list-object-modifiers.h
+++ b/src/list-object-modifiers.h
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /**
-   \file list-object-modifiers.h
-   \brief object modifiers (plusses and minuses) for all objects
+ * \file list-object-modifiers.h
+ * \brief object modifiers (plusses and minuses) for all objects
  *
  * index: the mod number
  * power: base power rating for the mod (0 means it is unused or derived)
@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@
  */
 /* index       		power	mult	name */
 OBJ_MOD(STEALTH,    8,		12,		"stealth")
-OBJ_MOD(SEARCH,     2,		5,		"searching skill")
 OBJ_MOD(INFRA,      4,		8,		"infravision")
 OBJ_MOD(TUNNEL,     3,		8,		"tunneling")
 OBJ_MOD(SPEED,      20,		6,		"speed")
diff --git a/src/obj-randart.c b/src/obj-randart.c
index 21e70ca296..b75bef99e1 100644
--- a/src/obj-randart.c
+++ b/src/obj-randart.c
@@ -107,7 +107,6 @@ static s16b art_idx_gen[] = {
 	ART_IDX_GEN_STAT,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_SUST,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_STEALTH,
-	ART_IDX_GEN_SEARCH,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_INFRA,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_SPEED,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_IMMUNE,
@@ -1056,12 +1055,6 @@ static void parse_frequencies(void)
 			/* Done with stealth */
 		}
 
-		if (art->modifiers[OBJ_MOD_SEARCH] > 0) {
-			/* Handle searching bonus - fully generic this time */
-			file_putf(log_file, "Adding 1 for search bonus - general.\n");
-			(artprobs[ART_IDX_GEN_SEARCH])++;
-		}
-
 		if (art->modifiers[OBJ_MOD_INFRA] > 0) {
 			/* Handle infravision bonus - fully generic */
 			file_putf(log_file, "Adding 1 for infravision bonus - general.\n");
@@ -2174,10 +2167,6 @@ static void add_ability_aux(struct artifact *art, int r, s32b target_power)
 			add_sustain(art);
 			break;
 
-		case ART_IDX_GEN_SEARCH:
-			add_pval_mod(art, OBJ_MOD_SEARCH);
-			break;
-
 		case ART_IDX_GEN_INFRA:
 			add_pval_mod(art, OBJ_MOD_INFRA);
 			break;
diff --git a/src/obj-randart.h b/src/obj-randart.h
index b4c2394895..97e7a4b6b3 100644
--- a/src/obj-randart.h
+++ b/src/obj-randart.h
@@ -113,7 +113,6 @@ enum {
 	ART_IDX_GEN_STAT,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_SUST,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_STEALTH,
-	ART_IDX_GEN_SEARCH,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_INFRA,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_SPEED,
 	ART_IDX_GEN_IMMUNE,
diff --git a/src/tests/unit-test-data.h b/src/tests/unit-test-data.h
index 461fefc958..199c3f7ad0 100644
--- a/src/tests/unit-test-data.h
+++ b/src/tests/unit-test-data.h
@@ -89,7 +89,6 @@ static struct object_kind TEST_DATA test_longsword = {
 		[OBJ_MOD_DEX] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_CON] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_STEALTH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
-		[OBJ_MOD_SEARCH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_INFRA] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_TUNNEL] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_SPEED] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
@@ -188,7 +187,6 @@ static struct object_kind TEST_DATA test_torch = {
 		[OBJ_MOD_DEX] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_CON] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_STEALTH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
-		[OBJ_MOD_SEARCH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_INFRA] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_TUNNEL] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_SPEED] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
@@ -313,7 +311,6 @@ static struct object_kind TEST_DATA test_lantern = {
 		[OBJ_MOD_DEX] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_CON] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_STEALTH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
-		[OBJ_MOD_SEARCH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_INFRA] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_TUNNEL] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_SPEED] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
@@ -408,7 +405,6 @@ static struct object_kind TEST_DATA test_flask = {
 		[OBJ_MOD_DEX] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_CON] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_STEALTH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
-		[OBJ_MOD_SEARCH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_INFRA] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_TUNNEL] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_SPEED] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
@@ -477,7 +473,6 @@ static struct object_kind TEST_DATA test_rod_treasure_location = {
 		[OBJ_MOD_DEX] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_CON] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_STEALTH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
-		[OBJ_MOD_SEARCH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_INFRA] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_TUNNEL] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_SPEED] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
@@ -545,7 +540,6 @@ static struct object_kind TEST_DATA test_gold = {
 		[OBJ_MOD_DEX] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_CON] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_STEALTH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
-		[OBJ_MOD_SEARCH] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_INFRA] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_TUNNEL] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
 		[OBJ_MOD_SPEED] = { 0, 0, 0, 0 }, 
@@ -945,7 +939,7 @@ static struct object TEST_DATA test_player_knowledge = {
 	.pval = 0,
 	.weight = 0,
 
-	.modifiers = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 },
+	.modifiers = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 },
 	.el_info = {
 		{ 0, 0 },
 		{ 0, 0 },
diff --git a/src/ui-player.c b/src/ui-player.c
index 1c307e4c08..1aed40db77 100644
--- a/src/ui-player.c
+++ b/src/ui-player.c
@@ -269,7 +269,6 @@ static const struct player_flag_record player_flag_table[RES_ROWS * 4] = {
 	{ "Aggrv",	-1,					OF_AGGRAVATE,	-1, 		-1 },
 
 	{ "Stea.",	OBJ_MOD_STEALTH,	-1,				-1, 		-1 },
-	{ "Sear.",	OBJ_MOD_SEARCH,		-1,				-1, 		-1 },
 	{ "Infra",	OBJ_MOD_INFRA,		-1,				-1,			TMD_SINFRA },
 	{ "Tunn.",	OBJ_MOD_TUNNEL,		-1,				-1, 		-1 },
 	{ "Speed",	OBJ_MOD_SPEED,		-1,				-1,			TMD_FAST },
@@ -277,6 +276,7 @@ static const struct player_flag_record player_flag_table[RES_ROWS * 4] = {
 	{ "Shots",	OBJ_MOD_SHOTS,		-1,				-1, 		-1 },
 	{ "Might",	OBJ_MOD_MIGHT,		-1,				-1, 		-1 },
 	{ "Light",	OBJ_MOD_LIGHT,		-1,				-1, 		-1 },
+	{ "",	-1,		-1,				-1, 		-1 },
 };
 
 static void display_resistance_panel(const struct player_flag_record *rec,