compass

compass [kum′pəs; ] also [ käm′pəs]

vt.

[ME compassen < OFr compasser, to go around < VL * compassare < L com-, together + passus, a step: see PACE¹]

1. Archaic to go around; make a circuit of

2. ENCOMPASS (sense 1)

3. to grasp mentally; understand; comprehend

4. to reach successfully; achieve; accomplish [to compass one's ends]

5. to plot or contrive (something harmful)

n.

[ME & OFr compas, a circle, prob. < the v.]

1. [often pl.] an instrument consisting of two pointed legs connected at one end by a pivot, used for drawing arcs or circles or for taking measurements: also called pair of compasses

2. a boundary line; circumference

3. an enclosed area

4. full extent or range; reach; scope; specif., range of tones, as of a voice

5. any of various instruments for showing direction, esp. one consisting of a magnetic needle swinging freely on a pivot and pointing to the magnetic north

6. Archaic a circuit; course

adj.

round; circular or semicircular

SYN.- RANGE

compassable

adj.