What does "circumference" mean?

Circumference: A circle; anything circular. His ponderous shield . . . Behind him cast. The broad circumference Hung on his shoulders like the moon. Milton.

Additional senses

  1. 2.The external surface of a sphere, or of any orbicular body.
  2. 3.To include in a circular space; to bound. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Sources