[com.pass] vt [ME, fr. OF compasser to measure, fr. (assumed) VL compassare to pace off, fr. L com- + passus pace] (14c) 1: to devise or contrive often with craft or skill
2: encompass 3 a: bring about, achieve b: to get into one's possession or power: obtain
4: comprehend -- com.pass.able adj
[2]compass n (14c) 1 a: boundary, circumference "within the ~ of the city walls" b: a circumscribed space "within the narrow ~ of 21 pages --V. L. Parrington" c: range, scope "the ~ of a voice"
2: a curved or roundabout course "a ~ of seven days' journey --2 Kings 3:9 (AV)" 3 a: a device for determining directi ons by means of a magnetic needle or group of needles turning freely on a pivot and pointing to the magnetic north b: any of various nonmagnetic devices that indicate direction c: an instrument for describing circles or transferring measurements that consists of two pointed branches joined at the top by a pivot--usu. used in pl.--called also pair of compasses
4: direction 6c syn see range [3]compass adj (1523): forming a curve: curved "a ~ timber"