com·pass (k m p s, k m-)n. 1. a. A device used to determine geographic direction, usually consisting of a magnetic needle or needles horizontally mounted or suspended and free to pivot until aligned with the earth's magnetic field. b. Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction. 2. A V-shaped device for describing circles or circular arcs and for taking measurements, consisting of a pair of rigid, end-hinged legs, one of which is equipped with a pen, pencil, or other marker and the other with a sharp point providing a pivot about which the drawing leg is turned. Also called pair of compasses. 3. a. An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference: outside the compass of the fence. See Synonyms at circumference. b. A restricted space or area: four huge crates within the compass of the elevator. c. Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority: "Lacking a coherent intellectual and moral commitment, [he] was forced to find his compass in personal experience" (Doris Kearns Goodwin). See Synonyms at range. 4. Music See range. tr.v. com·passed, com·pass·ing, com·pass·es 1. To make a circuit of; circle: The sailboat compassed the island. 2. To surround; encircle. See Synonyms at surround. 3. To understand; comprehend. 4. To succeed in carrying out; accomplish. See Synonyms at reach. 5. To scheme; plot. adj. 1. Forming a curved configuration. 2. Semicircular. Used of bow windows. [Middle English compas, circle, compass, from Old French, from compasser, to measure, from Vulgar Latin *compass  re, to pace off : Latin com-, com- + Latin passus, step; see pace1.]com pass·a·ble adj. |
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