fathom

Definitions

1. 1.The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.] Another of his fathom they have none To lead their business. Shak.
2. 2.To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.] Purchas.
3. 3.The measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of. Dryden. The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import. Hawthotne.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "fathom" mean?
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Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is fathom.

• What is the measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.] Another of his fathom they have none To lead their business. Shak called?
• What is to encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.] Purchas called?