(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.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) 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. (n.) The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration.

3. (v. t.) To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span.

4. (n.) The measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of.