compass
Cross references:
1. reach 2. circumference
1. com.pass \'k*m-p*s, 'ka:m-\ \-p*-s*-b*l\ vt [ME compassen, fr. OF
compasser to measure, fr. (assumed) VL com]passare to pace off, fr. L com-
+ passus pace 1: CONTRIVE, PLOT 2a: EMCOMPASS 2b: to travel entirely
around 3a: ACHIEVE, ACCOMPLISH; also : OBTAIN 3b: COMPREHEND -
com.pass.able aj
2. compass n 1a: BOUNDARY, CIRCUMFERENCE 1b: a circumscribed space 1c:
RANGE, SCOPE 2: a curved or roundabout path 3a: a device for determining
directions by means of a magnetic needle or gr oup of needles turning
freely on a pivot and pointing to the magnetic north 3b: any of various
nonmagnetic devices that serve the same purpose as the m agnetic compass
usu pl 3c: an instrument for describing circles or transferring
measurements consi sting of two pointed branches joined at the top by a
pivot - called also pair of compasses
3. compass aj : CURVED, CIRCULAR {a ~ timber}; specif : (MSEMICIRCULAR