Fathoming

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Fathom \Fath"om\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fathomed}; p. pr. & vb.
     n. {Fathoming}.]
     1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to
        measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.]
        --Purchas.
        [1913 Webster]


  
     2. To measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the
        depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to
        the bottom of. --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The page of life that was spread out before me
              seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not
              fathomed its deeper import.           --Hawthotne.
        [1913 Webster]