fathom

n. [ OE. fadme, faðme, AS. fæðm fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS. faðmos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom, OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. faðmr fathom, Sw. famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; to spread out, &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Another of his fathom they have none
To lead their business. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]

a. Capable of being fathomed. [ 1913 Webster ]