— compassable , adj. — compassless , adj.
/kum"peuhs/ , n.
1. an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
2. the enclosing line or limits of any area; perimeter: You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks.
3. space within limits; area; extent; range; scope: the narrow compass of the strait; the broad compass of the novel.
4. Also called range . the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument.
5. due or proper limits; moderate bounds: Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety.
6. a passing round; circuit: the compass of a year.
7. Often, compasses . an instrument for drawing or describing circles, measuring distances, etc., consisting generally of two movable, rigid legs hinged to each other at one end (usually used with pair of ): to spread the legs of a compass and draw a larger circle.
8. ( cap. ) Astron.
a. Also called Mariner's Compass . the constellation Pyxis.
b. Compasses , the constellation Circinus.
adj.
9. curved; forming a curve or arc: a compass timber; compass roof.
v.t.
10. to go or move round; make the circuit of: It would take a week to compass his property on foot.
11. to extend or stretch around; hem in; surround; encircle: An old stone wall compasses their property.
12. to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain.
13. to contrive; plot; scheme: to compass a treacherous plan.
14. to make curved or circular.
15. to comprehend; to grasp, as with the mind: His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster.
[ 1250-1300; (v.) ME compassen compasser to measure compassare, equiv. to compass ( us ) equal step (L com- COM- + passus PACE 1 ) + -are v. suffix; (n.) ME compas compasser ]
Syn. 3. See range .