1. (n.) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.

2. (n.) An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.

3. (n.) An enclosed space; an area; extent.

4. (n.) Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.

5. (n.) Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; -- used with within.

6. (n.) The range of notes, or tones, within the capacity of a voice or instrument.

7. (n.) An instrument for determining directions upon the earth's surface by means of a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pointing in a northerly and southerly direction.

8. (n.) A pair of compasses.

9. (n.) A circle; a continent.

10. (v. t.) To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of.

11. (v. t.) To enclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; -- used with about, round, around, and round about.

12. (v. t.) To reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish.

13. (v. t.) To curve; to bend into a circular form.

14. (v. t.) To purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot.