transitive verb

1. Archaic to go around; make a circuit of
2. encompass (sense )
3. to grasp mentally; understand; comprehend
4. to reach successfully; achieve; accomplish to compass one's ends
5. to plot or contrive (something harmful)

Etymology: ME compassen < OFr compasser, to go around < VL *compassare < L com-, together + passus, a step: see pace

noun

1. an instrument consisting of two pointed legs connected at one end by a pivot, used for drawing arcs or circles or for taking measurements
   also called pair of compasses
2. a boundary line; circumference
3. an enclosed area
4. full extent or range; reach; scope; specif., range of tones, as of a voice
5. any of various instruments for showing direction, esp. one consisting of a magnetic needle swinging freely on a pivot and pointing to the magnetic north
6. Archaic a circuit; course

Etymology: ME & OFr compas, a circle, prob. < the v.

adjective