etymology of looksie / look-see

Solution 1:

look-see (n.) etymonline.com

"inspection," 1865, "Pidgin-like formation" [OED], first used in representations of English as spoken by Chinese, from look (v.) + see (v.).

From the OED 1867

transitive v. To inspect, examine, look at (something). Chiefly with indirect question as object: to see, find out, ascertain (how, if, etc.).

and as a colloq. noun:

colloquial.

1. A (quick) inspection or examination; a survey; a reconnaissance.In early use in representations or imitations of Chinese Pidgin English.

As in:

2006 J. Dibbell Play Money xiii. 91 The only human intervention required was a quick daily look-see at how the gold was growing.