Geographyan instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
the enclosing line or limits of any area; perimeter:You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks.
space within limits; area; extent; range; scope:the narrow compass of the strait; the broad compass of the novel.
Music and DanceAlso called range. the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument.
due or proper limits; moderate bounds:Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety.
a passing round; circuit:the compass of a year.
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.
Astronomy(cap.)
Also called Mariner's Compass.the constellation Pyxis.
Compasses, the constellation Circinus.
adj.
curved; forming a curve or arc:a compass timber; compass roof.
v.t.
to go or move round; make the circuit of:It would take a week to compass his property on foot.
to extend or stretch around; hem in; surround; encircle:An old stone wall compasses their property.
to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain.
to contrive; plot; scheme:to compass a treacherous plan.
to make curved or circular.
to comprehend; to grasp, as with the mind:His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster.
Old French, derivative of compasser
Vulgar Latin *compāssāre, equivalent. to compāss(us) equal step (Latin com-com- + pāssuspace1) + -āre verb, verbal suffix; (noun, nominal) Middle English compas
Old French compasser to measure
(verb, verbal) Middle English compassen 1250–1300
com′pass•a•ble, adj. com′pass•less, adj.
3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged See range.
an instrument for finding direction, usually having a magnetized needle which points to magnetic north swinging freely on a pivot
Also called:pair of compasses (often plural)an instrument used for drawing circles, measuring distances, etc, that consists of two arms, joined at one end, one arm of which serves as a pivot or stationary reference point, while the other is extended or describes a circle
limits or range: within the compass of education
the interval between the lowest and highest note attainable by a voice or musical instrument
(transitive)
to encircle or surround; hem in
to comprehend or grasp mentally
to achieve; attain; accomplish
to plot
Etymology: 13th Century: from Old French compas, from compasser to measure, from Vulgar Latin compassāre (unattested) to pace out, ultimately from Latin passus stepˈcompassable
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