window-shop

[win-doh-shop] /ˈwɪn doʊˌʃɒp/
verb (used without object), window-shopped, window-shopping.
1.
to look at articles in the windows of stores without making any purchases.
2.
to examine or evaluate merchandise for possible purchase, use, etc.:
Russian delegations are window-shopping in European factories.
verb (used with object), window-shopped, window-shopping.
3.
to look at (merchandise) in the windows of stores without making any purchases:
to window-shop shoes.
Origin
1925-30
Related forms
window-shopper, noun
British Dictionary definitions for window shopping

window-shop

verb -shops, -shopping, -shopped
1.
(intransitive) to look at goods in shop windows without buying them
Derived Forms
window-shopper, noun
window-shopping, noun
window shopping in Technology

jargon
A term used among users of WIMP environments like the X Window System or the Macintosh at the US Geological Survey for extended experimentation with new window colours, fonts, and icon shapes. This activity can take up hours of what might otherwise have been productive working time. "I spent the afternoon window shopping until I found the coolest shade of green for my active window borders --- now they perfectly match my medium slate blue background." Serious window shoppers will spend their days with bitmap editors, creating new and different icons and background patterns for all to see. Also: "window dressing", the act of applying new fonts, colours, etc.
See fritterware, compare macdink.
[Jargon File]
(1996-07-08)