fathom : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: fathom	by the DICT Development Group
4 results for fathom
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fathom n a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth Synonym(s): fathom, fthm (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore Synonym(s): fathom, fthm v come to understand Synonym(s): penetrate, fathom, bottom measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line Synonym(s): fathom, sound
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
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. 2. 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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fathom \Fath"om\, n. [OE. fadme, fa[edh]me, AS. f[91][edh]m fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS. fa[edh]mos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom, OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. fa[edh]mr fathom, Sw. famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. [?][?][?][?][?][?][?][?][?][?] to spread out, [?][?][?][?][?][?][?] outspread, flat, L. patere to lie open, extend. Cf. {Patent}, {Petal}.] 1. A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; -- used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings. 2. 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.
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]:
Fathom (Old A.S. faethm, "bosom," or the outstretched arms), a span of six feet (Acts 27:28). Gr. orguia (from orego, "I stretch"), the distance between the extremities of both arms fully stretched out.