fathomn.

Brit.

/ˈfað(ə)m/, U.S.

/ˈfæðəm/

Forms: Old English fæðm, fædm, Middle English fedme, Middle English feþme, fademe, Middle English fadim, ( fadum, fathum, southern veðme), Middle English fadme, Middle English–1500s fadom(e, Middle English–1500s fadam(e, fathem, (Scottish fadowme, fawdom(e, Middle English fadmen, fadym, southern vathym, veth(e)ym, 1500s faddam, feddom, Scottish faldom, faudom, southern vadome), 1500s fatham(e, 1500s–1600s fathome, 1600s faddom(e, 1600s– fathom.

Etymology: Old English fæðm strong masculine (also feminine) corresponds to Old Frisian fethm singular, Old Saxon fathmôs plural, the two arms outstretched (Dutch vadem, vaam, measure of 6 feet), Old High German fadum cubit (modern German faden measure of 6 feet), Old Norse faþmr (Icelandic faðmr, Danish favn, Swedish famn) the outstretched arms, embrace, bosom, also measure of 6 feet < Germanic *faþmo-z, cognate with Gothic faþa, Middle High German vade enclosure, < Germanic root feþ-, faþ- < pre-Germanic pet-, pot-, whence also Greek πέταλος spreading, broad, πεταννύναι to spread out. Formally identical with this word are the Middle Dutch vadem, Old High German fadum, fadam (Middle High German vadem, vaden, modern German faden), thread; compare Old Welsh etem in same sense. Possibly the two widely divergent senses of the type *faþmo- may be explained as different applications of the etymological sense ‘stretching out’.

†1.

a. In plural. The embracing arms; in singular = bosom n. 1b. Old English only.

ΚΠ

OE Andreas (1932) 824 Ða gelædan het lifes brytta ofer yða geþræc englas sine, fæðmum ferigean on fæder wære leofne mid lissum ofer lagufæsten, oððæt sæwerige slæp ofereode.

OE Riddle 26 25 Freonda..hy arstafum lissum bilecgað ond hi lufan fæþmum fæste clyppað.

†b. figurative. Grasp, power. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > control > [noun] > control and possession

wieldnesseOE

fathomOE

waldOE

wieldOE

wieldingOE

woldc1275

grip1508

gripe1532

graspa1616

OE Crist III 1485 Ge þu þone lichoman þe ic alysde me feondum of fæðme, ond þa him firene forbead, scyldwyrcende scondum gewemdest.

OE Beowulf 1210 Gehwearf þa in Francna fæþm feorh cyninges.

1607 T. Middleton Michaelmas Terme Induct. sig. A2 I graspe best part of the Autumnian blessing In my contentious fadome.

a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Prophetesse ii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Dddd3/1 He beleeves the earth is in his fadom.

†c. The object of embrace, the ‘wife of thy bosom’. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > married person > married woman > [noun] > wife

wifeeOE

womanc1275

peerc1330

spousessc1384

ladyc1390

good lady1502

girl?a1513

spousage1513

little lady1523

the weaker vessel1526

companion1535

wedlock1566

Mrs1572

dame1574

rib?1590

feme1595

fathom1602

feme covert1602

shrew1606

wife of one's bosom1611

kickie-wickiea1616

heifer1616

sposa1624

bosom-partner1633

goodwife1654

little woman1715

squaw1767

the Mrs1821

missus1823

maw1826

lady wife1840

tart1864

mistress1873

mama1916

ball and chain1921

trouble and strife1929

old boot1958

1602 T. Dekker Satiro-mastix sig. E^v Thy Bride..She that is now thy fadom.

†a. A stretching of the arms in a straight line to their full extent. Also in to make a fathom.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > posture > action or fact of stretching body > [noun] > specific part of body

fathom1519

stretch1696

outstretching1866

1519 W. Horman Vulgaria iii. f. 29 The length..fro the both toppys of his myddell fyngers, whan he makethe a vadome.

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 717 The first of these hornes..being of the length of my fadome.

1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica iv. v. 191 The extent of his fathome..is equall unto the space between the soale of the foot and the crowne.

1786 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 161 Take an opportunity of going..to a Bear-stack, and fathom it three times round. The last fathom of the last time, you will catch in your arms, the appearance of your future conjugal yoke-fellow.

b. figurative. Breadth of comprehension, grasp of intellect; ability. Obsolete exc. archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > [noun]

speed971

mightOE

ferec1175

evenc1225

powerc1300

possibilityc1385

actualitya1398

actualnessa1398

mowing?a1425

virtuality1483

cana1500

canning1549

reach1556

capability1587

strain1593

capableness1594

ablesse1598

fathoma1616

dacity1636

factivitya1643

capacity1647

range1695

span1805

quality1856

faculty1859

octane1989

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > high intelligence, genius > [noun] > breadth, depth, strength of intellect

strengthOE

largenessa1382

profoundnessc1475

breadth1532

profundity1559

amplitude1575

deptha1593

powerfulnessc1595

universality1605

fathoma1616

spaciousness1657

comprehensiveness1683

grasp1683

altitudo1933

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. i. 154 Another of his fathome, they haue not.

1827 T. Hamilton Youth & Manhood Cyril Thornton I. xiii. 213 This..is beyond my fathom to determine.

3. A measure of length.

†a. The length of the forearm; a cubit n. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > arm as unit of length > cubit

fathomc1000

cubitc1384

c1000 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 158/10 Cubitum, Fædm betwux elbogan and handwyrste.

c1000 Ælfric Genesis vi. 15 Þreo hund faþma biþ se arc on lenge.

a1175 Cott. Hom. 225 An arc þreo hund fedme lang.

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13819 Þat sper þurh-ræhte. fulle ane ueðme.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 21532 He right depe had doluen dare, Ma þan tuenti fadim or mare.

c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 145 Fadme, or fadyme, ulna.

b. The length covered by the outstretched arms, including the hands to the tip of the longest finger; hence, a definite measure of 6 feet (formerly for some purposes less: see quot. 1728), now chiefly used in taking soundings (but see quot. 1968).

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > arm as unit of length > outstretched arms or fathom

fathoma800

teisec1330

brace1599

stade1604

a800 Corpus Gloss. Passus, faeðm, uel tuegen stridi.

c1300 K. Alis. 546 His taile was fyve fedme long.

c1400 Rom. Rose 1393 These trees were sette..One from another in assise Five fadme or sixe.

1480 W. Worcester in J. Nasmith Itineraria (1778) 175 Arches of x vethym yn hyth.

1496 in T. Dickson Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1877) I. 291 vj fawdome of smal pailȝoune tow, ilk fawdome ij d.

a1500 (?c1450) Merlin ii. 31 This tour is iij or iiij fadom of height.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts xxvii. 28 The ship~men..sounded and founde it .xx. feddoms.

1574 J. Baret Aluearie F 189 As big as four men coulde compas with their armes, or four fathom brode.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. ii. 399 Full fadom fiue thy Father lies.

1643 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1826) (modernized text) II. 157 They..presented the court with 26 fathom more of wampom.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 163/2 The deepness of Water is sounded by Faddoms.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) There are three kinds of Fathoms... The first, which is that of Men of War, contains six Feet: The middling, or that of Merchant Ships, five Feet, and a half; and the small one, used in Fluyts, Flyboats, and other Fishing-vessels, only five Feet.

1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. ii. 319 We could not find ground with sixty fathom of line.

1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iii. xx. 107 ‘Where lies your bark?’ ‘Ten fathom deep in ocean dark!’

1865 D. Livingstone & C. Livingstone Narr. Exped. Zambesi ix. 197 We..handed him two fathoms of cotton cloth.

1878 T. H. Huxley Physiography (ed. 2) 176 The Gulf Stream itself is not more than 100 fathoms deep.

1968 Guardian 26 Apr. 1/1 The fathom..is to disappear from British Admiralty charts. In future sea depths will be marked in metres.

†c. (See quots.; perhaps some error.) Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1724 Coles's Eng. Dict. (new ed.) Fathom, three Feet in length.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) Fathom is also us'd in several Countries, particularly Italy, for the common Yard, or Ell.

d. in plural. Depths. literal and figurative. Also in figurative expressions fathoms deep, fathoms down; cf. Compounds 2.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > vertical extent > extension downwards or depth > [noun] > great or considerable depth > deep place, part, or thing

piteOE

bottomOE

swallowa1100

profundity?a1425

abysmc1475

bisme1483

gulfa1533

abyss1538

fathom1608

profound1640

a well of a1843

subterranean1912

1608 T. Middleton Trick to catch Old-one iii. sig. D4^v Swallowe Vp his father..Within the fadomes of his conscience.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 491 All..the profound seas, hides In vnknowne fadomes.

1880 M. E. Braddon Just as I Am xviii You will sink fathoms deep in my respect.

4. Mining (see quot. 1881).

ΚΠ

1778 W. Pryce Mineralogia Cornubiensis Gloss. 320/1 Work in the Cornish Mines, is generally performed by the fathom.

1872 R. W. Raymond Statistics Mines & Mining 315 [Cost of] stoping $12 or $18 per fathom [of ore].

1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 132 A fathom of mining ground is six feet square by the whole thickness of the vein.

5. A certain quantity of wood; now, a quantity 6 ft. square in section, whatever the length may be.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > wood > [noun] > building wood > measure or quantity of

rood1391

sheaf1534

straik1542

fathom1577

standard1811

1577 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) ii. xxii. i. 340 Our tanners buie the barke..by the fadame.

1669 J. Worlidge Systema Agriculturæ (1681) 317 A Fathom of Wood is a parcel of Wood set out, six whereof make a Coal Fire.

1681 Blount's Glossographia (ed. 5) When a Ship is past service they saw the wood of it in length, and sell it by the fathom, which is six foot, two broad, and six high.

1835 Tariff Tables in McCulloch Dict. Commerce 1133 Lathwood in pieces under 5 feet in length, per fathom, 6 feet wide and 6 feet high [duty] £4 5s. 0d.; 12 feet long or upwards, per fathom, 6 feet wide and 6 feet high, £13 12s. 0d.

1875 T. Laslett Timber & Timber Trees 252 18000 fathoms of firewood were imported into London in 1874.

Compounds

C1. General attributive.

fathom lot n.

ΚΠ

1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Fathom-wood, slab and other offal of timber, sold at the yards, by fathom lots.

C2.

fathom-deep adj. = fathoms deep at sense 3d, excessively deep.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > vertical extent > extension downwards or depth > [adjective] > very

groundlessc888

bottomlessc1400

profound?a1425

neal1574

soundlessc1595

insoundable1602

gulfy1607

unbottomed1615

depthless1619

unsoundable1629

chin-deep1634

fathomless1638

abysming1644

unfounded1648

abysmal1656

plumbless1665

unfathomablea1676

chasmy1793

fathom-deep1835

plummetlessc1861

chasmal1871

abyssal1903

1835 Edinb. Rev. Apr. 75 Fathom-deep in murders and debaucheries.

1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam x. 15 If..the roaring wells Should gulf him fathom deep in brine.

fathom-fish n. western North American = eulachon n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > order Salmoniformes (salmon or trout) > family Salmonidae (salmon) > [noun] > thaleichthys pacificus (candle-fish)

eulachon1807

fathom-fish1849

candle-fish1882

1849 A. Ross Adventures First Settlers Oregon River (1904) vi. 109 To prepare them [sc. the ulichans] for a distant market, they are laid side by side, head and tail alternately, and then a thread run through both extremities links them together, in which state they are dried, smoked, and sold by the fathom, hence they have obtained the name of fathom-fish.

1897 E. Coues New Light Early Hist. Greater Northwest ii. 787 Another name of these ‘smelts’ was fathom-fish, given because they were strung on strings and sold by the fathom.

fathom health n. a health (drunk) fathoms deep.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > [noun] > drinking intoxicating liquor > drinking to each other or toasting > a toast

wassailc1275

proface1586

pledge1594

carouse1599

fathom health1600

skol1600

health1602

pitcher-praise1654

toast1746

hob-nob1761

loyal toast1799

salamander1868

ganbei1940

1600 T. Dekker Shomakers Holiday sig. J4^v Carowse me fadome healths to the honor of the shoomakers.

fathom line n. the line used in testing the depth of the sea in fathoms; also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > navigational aids > [noun] > sounding-line or -rod

sounding-line1336

plumbc1425

lead-line1485

handline1535

bolye1552

fathom line1598

plumb line1648

sounda1653

hand lead1669

plumbing line1671

plumbing rope1693

sounder1811

sea-line1828

1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 i. iii. 202 The deepe, Where fadome line could neuer touch the ground.

1816 Ld. Byron Prisoner of Chillon vi The fathom-line was sent From Chillon's snow-white battlement.

1821 P. B. Shelley Epipsychidion 10 The brief fathom-line of thought or sense.

fathom-proof n. unfathomable.Apparently an isolated use.

ΚΠ

1792 Elizabeth Percy I. 91 As if he thought what passed, a smooth surface, but not fathom~proof.

fathom-tale n. Mining a fixed sum for every fathom excavated.

ΚΠ

1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 132 Fathom-tale..probably arises from the payment for such work by the space excavated, and not by the ore produced.

fathom-wood n. [compare Swedish famnved, German fadenholz] (see quot. 1867).

ΚΠ

1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Fathom-wood, slab and other offal of timber, sold at the yards, by fathom lots.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

fathomv.

Brit.

/ˈfað(ə)m/, U.S.

/ˈfæðəm/

Forms: Old English fæðmian, Middle English fadme, Middle English faþme, 1500s–1600s fadom(e, fathame, 1600s fathome, 1600s– fathom.

Etymology: Old English fæðmian = Old High German fademôn , Old Norse faþma (Icelandic faðma , Danish favne , Swedish famna ) < Old Germanic *faþmôjan , < *faþmo- fathom n.

a. transitive. To encircle with extended arms.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surrounding > surround or lie around [verb (transitive)] > surround closely or tightly

clipc825

fathomOE

windc1175

truss1340

embracec1360

bindc1384

clasp1447

complect1523

circumplect1578

embrace1578

enclasp1596

entwist1600

beclasp1608

chaina1616

inclipa1616

corsleta1625

circumplex1632

enlace1633

entwine1633

comply1648

throttle1863

c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 1295 And mine armes weren so longe, That I fadmede, al at ones, Denemark, with mine longe bones.

1637 J. Pocklington Altare Christianum 91 It contained too many Cubits for him to..fathome it round about.

1646 J. Hall Horæ Vacivæ 71 No man ought to graspe more then he can well fathome.

1775 in J. Ash New Dict. Eng. Lang.

1810 J. Hodgson in Raine Mem. J. Hodgson (1857) I. 65 Ten trunks each more than I can fathom.

1828 W. Scott Jrnl. 23 May (1941) 250 Trees..so thick that a man could not fathom them.

figurative and in extended use.OE Andreas (1932) 1572 Wæter fæðmedon, fleow firgendstream, flod wæs on luste, oþþæt breost oferstag, brim weallende, eorlum oð exle.OE Beowulf 3133 Leton..flod fæðmian frætwa hyrde.1629 P. Massinger Roman Actor v. i. sig. K2^v Cæsar..in his armes Fadoming the earth.1644 K. Digby Two Treat. Ded. sig. ẽ Flashy wits..can not fadome the whole extent of a large discourse.

†b. To clasp or embrace (a person). to fathom together: to embrace mutually. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > embrace > [verb (transitive)]

clipc950

freeOE

beclipc1000

windc1175

fang?c1200

yokec1275

umgripea1300

to take in (also into, on) one's armsc1300

umbefold14..

collc1320

lapc1350

bracec1375

embracec1386

clapa1400

folda1400

halsea1400

umbeclapa1400

accollc1400

fathomc1400

halchc1400

haspc1400

hoderc1440

plighta1450

plet?a1500

cuddlec1520

complect1523

umbfoldc1540

clasp1549

culla1564

cully1576

huggle1583

embosom1590

wrap1594

collya1600

cling1607

bosom1608

grasp1609

comply1648

huddlea1650

smuggle1679

inarm1713

snuggle1775

cwtch1965

the mind > emotion > love > embrace > [verb (transitive)] > embrace mutually

to fathom togetherc1400

interbrace1592

c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 399 Frendez fellen in fere faþmed to-geder.

c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 145 Fadmyn (fadomyn, P.), ulno.

1614 T. Adams Diuells Banket iv. 190 Lasciuious Dalila's..fadomed him in the armes of lust.

a. Of two or more persons: To encircle by extending the arms in line, with the view of measuring the girth. Obsolete exc. archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > measurement of other dimensions > measure other dimensions [verb (transitive)] > take the girth of > measure girth with arms

fathom1555

1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde ii. iv. f. 68^v Seuen men..with theyr armes streached furthe, were scarsely able too fathame them [trees] aboute.

1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie iii. sig. Ppp3^v Stocks of Vines..as big in bulk as two men can fathom.

1720 W. R. Chetwood Voy. Capt. R. Falconer ii. 112 Mr. Musgrave and I cou'd but just fathom it.

1874 G. W. Dasent Tales from Fjeld 261 We will fathom it [a tree] and then we shall soon see.

b. Of one person: To measure in fathoms by means of the two outstretched arms. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > measure (off) a length or distance [verb (transitive)] > using outstretched arms

fathom1680

1680 Play-bill in Rendle & Norman Inns Old Southwk. He [the Gyant] now reaches ten foot and a half, fathoms near eight feet, spans fifteen inches.

†3. intransitive. to fathom about: to try what the arms will take in; to grope about. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > touch and feeling > touching > touching with the hand > touch or feel with the hand [verb (intransitive)] > grope about

feela1382

to fathom aboutc1400

to feel (out) one's waya1450

grabble1579

pouter1812

c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 273 Þer he festnes þe fete & fathmez aboute, & stod vp in his stomak.

a. transitive. To measure with a fathom-line; to ascertain the depth of (water); to sound.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measure [verb (transitive)]

bemetec893

meteOE

mensurec1429

gaugec1440

measure1456

to take a scantling of1585

fathom1611

admetiate1623

quantify1627

span1641

to take (also get) the measure of1650

mensurate1653

to take the gauge of1780

spoil1794

quantitate1900

pace1955

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)]

yknoweOE

acknowOE

anyeteOE

latchc1000

undernimc1000

understandc1000

underyetec1000

afindOE

knowOE

seeOE

onfangc1175

takec1175

underfindc1200

underfonga1300

undertakea1300

kenc1330

gripea1340

comprehend1340

comprendc1374

espyc1374

perceivea1387

to take for ——?1387

catcha1398

conceivea1398

intenda1400

overtakea1400

tenda1400

havec1405

henta1450

comprise1477

skilla1500

brook1548

apprend1567

compass1576

perstanda1577

endue1590

sound1592

engrasp1593

in1603

fathom1611

resent1614

receivea1616

to take up1617

apprehend1631

to take in1646

grasp1680

understumblec1681

forstand1682

savvy1686

overstand1699

uptake1726

nouse1779

twig1815

undercumstand1824

absorb1840

sense1844

undercumstumble1854

seize1855

intelligize1865

dig1935

a1661 W. Brereton Trav. (1844) 5 Fathoming the depth of the water over against Brill, we found [etc.].

1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 253 In other places..[the Ocean] never hitherto has been fathomed.

1721–1800 in N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict.

1860 M. F. Maury Physical Geogr. Sea (ed. 8) xiii. §563 Attempts to fathom the ocean, both by sound and pressure.

figurative.1611 S. Hieron Spirituall Sonne-ship ii. 47 This Loue, to bee Sonnes, who can fadome it?1641 R. Carpenter Experience, Hist., & Divinitie v. xvii. 314 O God, who can fadome thy eternity?1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 23 To sound the depths, and fathom..The Peoples hearts.1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron II. vi. xvii. 64 An abyss of Wisdom which our line cannot fathom.1875 P. G. Hamerton Intellect. Life (ed. 2) viii. i. 281 A..French nobleman whose ignorance I have frequent opportunities of fathoming.

b. To get to the bottom of, dive into, penetrate, see through, thoroughly understand.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > sharpness, shrewdness, insight > penetrate, discern [verb (transitive)]

piercea1398

to look througha1525

insee1541

penetrate?1563

to see through ——1565

to look through ——1580

understand1587

to break through1597

fathom1633

unfathom1707

1633 P. Massinger New Way to pay Old Debts v. i. sig. K4 The..Statesman..beleeues he fathomes The counsels of all Kingdomes on the earth.

1688 J. Smith Compl. Disc. Baroscope iv. 91 Causes..very difficult for Human Wit to Fathom.

1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. ix. 400 There was some treachery designed him, which he could not yet fathom.

1781 F. Burney Let. June in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (2003) IV. 372 [His] Character I am at this moment unable to fathom.

1839 T. Keightley Hist. Eng. (new ed.) I. 443 He could conceal his own designs and fathom those of others.

1853 C. Brontë Villette III. xxxix. 221 I saw something in that lad's eye I never quite fathomed.

5. intransitive. To take soundings. literal and figurative. Also, †to fathom into: to enquire into.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > investigation, inspection > investigate, inspect [verb (intransitive)]

inquirec1330

aska1382

ensearch1382

questiona1500

investigate?1520

vestigatea1561

to look into ——1561

perpend1568

mouse1575

rake1603

undergo1605

fathom1607

ravel1618

examine1628

inquisition1644

to cast abouta1676

inspect1703

sound1793

disquisitea1823

look-see1862

to cast about one1867

1607 T. Middleton Revengers Trag. i. sig. B4 And deepely fadomd into all estates.

1751 R. Paltock Life Peter Wilkins I. ix. 76 Upon fathoming, I could find no Bottom.

1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity III. vi. ii. 22 The philosopher..went fathoming on..in the very abysses of human thought.

1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 72 I can fathom by no plummet-line sunk in life's apparent laws.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	fathom
释义	fathomn. Brit. /ˈfað(ə)m/, U.S. /ˈfæðəm/ Forms: Old English fæðm, fædm, Middle English fedme, Middle English feþme, fademe, Middle English fadim, ( fadum, fathum, southern veðme), Middle English fadme, Middle English–1500s fadom(e, Middle English–1500s fadam(e, fathem, (Scottish fadowme, fawdom(e, Middle English fadmen, fadym, southern vathym, veth(e)ym, 1500s faddam, feddom, Scottish faldom, faudom, southern vadome), 1500s fatham(e, 1500s–1600s fathome, 1600s faddom(e, 1600s– fathom. Etymology: Old English fæðm strong masculine (also feminine) corresponds to Old Frisian fethm singular, Old Saxon fathmôs plural, the two arms outstretched (Dutch vadem, vaam, measure of 6 feet), Old High German fadum cubit (modern German faden measure of 6 feet), Old Norse faþmr (Icelandic faðmr, Danish favn, Swedish famn) the outstretched arms, embrace, bosom, also measure of 6 feet < Germanic faþmo-z, cognate with Gothic faþa, Middle High German vade* enclosure, < Germanic root feþ-, faþ- < pre-Germanic pet-, pot-, whence also Greek πέταλος spreading, broad, πεταννύναι to spread out. Formally identical with this word are the Middle Dutch vadem, Old High German fadum, fadam (Middle High German vadem, vaden, modern German faden), thread; compare Old Welsh etem in same sense. Possibly the two widely divergent senses of the type faþmo- may be explained as different applications of the etymological sense ‘stretching out’. †1. a. In plural. The embracing arms; in singular* = bosom n. 1b. Old English only. ΚΠ OE Andreas (1932) 824 Ða gelædan het lifes brytta ofer yða geþræc englas sine, fæðmum ferigean on fæder wære leofne mid lissum ofer lagufæsten, oððæt sæwerige slæp ofereode. OE Riddle 26 25 Freonda..hy arstafum lissum bilecgað ond hi lufan fæþmum fæste clyppað. †b. figurative. Grasp, power. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > control > [noun] > control and possession wieldnesseOE fathomOE waldOE wieldOE wieldingOE woldc1275 grip1508 gripe1532 graspa1616 OE Crist III 1485 Ge þu þone lichoman þe ic alysde me feondum of fæðme, ond þa him firene forbead, scyldwyrcende scondum gewemdest. OE Beowulf 1210 Gehwearf þa in Francna fæþm feorh cyninges. 1607 T. Middleton Michaelmas Terme Induct. sig. A2 I graspe best part of the Autumnian blessing In my contentious fadome. a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Prophetesse ii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Dddd3/1 He beleeves the earth is in his fadom. †c. The object of embrace, the ‘wife of thy bosom’. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > married person > married woman > [noun] > wife wifeeOE womanc1275 peerc1330 spousessc1384 ladyc1390 good lady1502 girl?a1513 spousage1513 little lady1523 the weaker vessel1526 companion1535 wedlock1566 Mrs1572 dame1574 rib?1590 feme1595 fathom1602 feme covert1602 shrew1606 wife of one's bosom1611 kickie-wickiea1616 heifer1616 sposa1624 bosom-partner1633 goodwife1654 little woman1715 squaw1767 the Mrs1821 missus1823 maw1826 lady wife1840 tart1864 mistress1873 mama1916 ball and chain1921 trouble and strife1929 old boot1958 1602 T. Dekker Satiro-mastix sig. E^v Thy Bride..She that is now thy fadom. 2. †a. A stretching of the arms in a straight line to their full extent. Also in to make a fathom. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > posture > action or fact of stretching body > [noun] > specific part of body fathom1519 stretch1696 outstretching1866 1519 W. Horman Vulgaria iii. f. 29 The length..fro the both toppys of his myddell fyngers, whan he makethe a vadome. 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 717 The first of these hornes..being of the length of my fadome. 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica iv. v. 191 The extent of his fathome..is equall unto the space between the soale of the foot and the crowne. View more context for this quotation 1786 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 161 Take an opportunity of going..to a Bear-stack, and fathom it three times round. The last fathom of the last time, you will catch in your arms, the appearance of your future conjugal yoke-fellow. b. figurative. Breadth of comprehension, grasp of intellect; ability. Obsolete exc. archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] speed971 mightOE ferec1175 evenc1225 powerc1300 possibilityc1385 actualitya1398 actualnessa1398 mowing?a1425 virtuality1483 cana1500 canning1549 reach1556 capability1587 strain1593 capableness1594 ablesse1598 fathoma1616 dacity1636 factivitya1643 capacity1647 range1695 span1805 quality1856 faculty1859 octane1989 the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > high intelligence, genius > [noun] > breadth, depth, strength of intellect strengthOE largenessa1382 profoundnessc1475 breadth1532 profundity1559 amplitude1575 deptha1593 powerfulnessc1595 universality1605 fathoma1616 spaciousness1657 comprehensiveness1683 grasp1683 altitudo1933 a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. i. 154 Another of his fathome, they haue not. View more context for this quotation 1827 T. Hamilton Youth & Manhood Cyril Thornton I. xiii. 213 This..is beyond my fathom to determine. 3. A measure of length. †a. The length of the forearm; a cubit n. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > arm as unit of length > cubit fathomc1000 cubitc1384 c1000 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 158/10 Cubitum, Fædm betwux elbogan and handwyrste. c1000 Ælfric Genesis vi. 15 Þreo hund faþma biþ se arc on lenge. a1175 Cott. Hom. 225 An arc þreo hund fedme lang. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13819 Þat sper þurh-ræhte. fulle ane ueðme. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 21532 He right depe had doluen dare, Ma þan tuenti fadim or mare. c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 145 Fadme, or fadyme, ulna. b. The length covered by the outstretched arms, including the hands to the tip of the longest finger; hence, a definite measure of 6 feet (formerly for some purposes less: see quot. 1728), now chiefly used in taking soundings (but see quot. 1968). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > arm as unit of length > outstretched arms or fathom fathoma800 teisec1330 brace1599 stade1604 a800 Corpus Gloss. Passus, faeðm, uel tuegen stridi. c1300 K. Alis. 546 His taile was fyve fedme long. c1400 Rom. Rose 1393 These trees were sette..One from another in assise Five fadme or sixe. 1480 W. Worcester in J. Nasmith Itineraria (1778) 175 Arches of x vethym yn hyth. 1496 in T. Dickson Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1877) I. 291 vj fawdome of smal pailȝoune tow, ilk fawdome ij d. a1500 (?c1450) Merlin ii. 31 This tour is iij or iiij fadom of height. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts xxvii. 28 The ship~men..sounded and founde it .xx. feddoms. 1574 J. Baret Aluearie F 189 As big as four men coulde compas with their armes, or four fathom brode. a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. ii. 399 Full fadom fiue thy Father lies. View more context for this quotation 1643 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1826) (modernized text) II. 157 They..presented the court with 26 fathom more of wampom. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 163/2 The deepness of Water is sounded by Faddoms. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) There are three kinds of Fathoms... The first, which is that of Men of War, contains six Feet: The middling, or that of Merchant Ships, five Feet, and a half; and the small one, used in Fluyts, Flyboats, and other Fishing-vessels, only five Feet. 1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. ii. 319 We could not find ground with sixty fathom of line. 1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iii. xx. 107 ‘Where lies your bark?’ ‘Ten fathom deep in ocean dark!’ 1865 D. Livingstone & C. Livingstone Narr. Exped. Zambesi ix. 197 We..handed him two fathoms of cotton cloth. 1878 T. H. Huxley Physiography (ed. 2) 176 The Gulf Stream itself is not more than 100 fathoms deep. 1968 Guardian 26 Apr. 1/1 The fathom..is to disappear from British Admiralty charts. In future sea depths will be marked in metres. †c. (See quots.; perhaps some error.) Obsolete. ΚΠ 1724 Coles's Eng. Dict. (new ed.) Fathom, three Feet in length. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) Fathom is also us'd in several Countries, particularly Italy, for the common Yard, or Ell. d. in plural. Depths. literal and figurative. Also in figurative expressions fathoms deep, fathoms down; cf. Compounds 2. ΘΚΠ the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > vertical extent > extension downwards or depth > [noun] > great or considerable depth > deep place, part, or thing piteOE bottomOE swallowa1100 profundity?a1425 abysmc1475 bisme1483 gulfa1533 abyss1538 fathom1608 profound1640 a well of a1843 subterranean1912 1608 T. Middleton Trick to catch Old-one iii. sig. D4^v Swallowe Vp his father..Within the fadomes of his conscience. a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 491 All..the profound seas, hides In vnknowne fadomes. 1880 M. E. Braddon Just as I Am xviii You will sink fathoms deep in my respect. 4. Mining (see quot. 1881). ΚΠ 1778 W. Pryce Mineralogia Cornubiensis Gloss. 320/1 Work in the Cornish Mines, is generally performed by the fathom. 1872 R. W. Raymond Statistics Mines & Mining 315 [Cost of] stoping $12 or $18 per fathom [of ore]. 1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 132 A fathom of mining ground is six feet square by the whole thickness of the vein. 5. A certain quantity of wood; now, a quantity 6 ft. square in section, whatever the length may be. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > wood > [noun] > building wood > measure or quantity of rood1391 sheaf1534 straik1542 fathom1577 standard1811 1577 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) ii. xxii. i. 340 Our tanners buie the barke..by the fadame. 1669 J. Worlidge Systema Agriculturæ (1681) 317 A Fathom of Wood is a parcel of Wood set out, six whereof make a Coal Fire. 1681 Blount's Glossographia (ed. 5) When a Ship is past service they saw the wood of it in length, and sell it by the fathom, which is six foot, two broad, and six high. 1835 Tariff Tables in McCulloch Dict. Commerce 1133 Lathwood in pieces under 5 feet in length, per fathom, 6 feet wide and 6 feet high [duty] £4 5s. 0d.; 12 feet long or upwards, per fathom, 6 feet wide and 6 feet high, £13 12s. 0d. 1875 T. Laslett Timber & Timber Trees 252 18000 fathoms of firewood were imported into London in 1874. Compounds C1. General attributive. fathom lot n. ΚΠ 1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Fathom-wood, slab and other offal of timber, sold at the yards, by fathom lots. C2. fathom-deep adj. = fathoms deep at sense 3d, excessively deep. ΘΚΠ the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > vertical extent > extension downwards or depth > [adjective] > very groundlessc888 bottomlessc1400 profound?a1425 neal1574 soundlessc1595 insoundable1602 gulfy1607 unbottomed1615 depthless1619 unsoundable1629 chin-deep1634 fathomless1638 abysming1644 unfounded1648 abysmal1656 plumbless1665 unfathomablea1676 chasmy1793 fathom-deep1835 plummetlessc1861 chasmal1871 abyssal1903 1835 Edinb. Rev. Apr. 75 Fathom-deep in murders and debaucheries. 1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam x. 15 If..the roaring wells Should gulf him fathom deep in brine. View more context for this quotation fathom-fish n. western North American = eulachon n. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > order Salmoniformes (salmon or trout) > family Salmonidae (salmon) > [noun] > thaleichthys pacificus (candle-fish) eulachon1807 fathom-fish1849 candle-fish1882 1849 A. Ross Adventures First Settlers Oregon River (1904) vi. 109 To prepare them [sc. the ulichans] for a distant market, they are laid side by side, head and tail alternately, and then a thread run through both extremities links them together, in which state they are dried, smoked, and sold by the fathom, hence they have obtained the name of fathom-fish. 1897 E. Coues New Light Early Hist. Greater Northwest ii. 787 Another name of these ‘smelts’ was fathom-fish, given because they were strung on strings and sold by the fathom. fathom health n. a health (drunk) fathoms deep. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > [noun] > drinking intoxicating liquor > drinking to each other or toasting > a toast wassailc1275 proface1586 pledge1594 carouse1599 fathom health1600 skol1600 health1602 pitcher-praise1654 toast1746 hob-nob1761 loyal toast1799 salamander1868 ganbei1940 1600 T. Dekker Shomakers Holiday sig. J4^v Carowse me fadome healths to the honor of the shoomakers. fathom line n. the line used in testing the depth of the sea in fathoms; also figurative. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > navigational aids > [noun] > sounding-line or -rod sounding-line1336 plumbc1425 lead-line1485 handline1535 bolye1552 fathom line1598 plumb line1648 sounda1653 hand lead1669 plumbing line1671 plumbing rope1693 sounder1811 sea-line1828 1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 i. iii. 202 The deepe, Where fadome line could neuer touch the ground. 1816 Ld. Byron Prisoner of Chillon vi The fathom-line was sent From Chillon's snow-white battlement. 1821 P. B. Shelley Epipsychidion 10 The brief fathom-line of thought or sense. fathom-proof n. unfathomable.Apparently an isolated use. ΚΠ 1792 Elizabeth Percy I. 91 As if he thought what passed, a smooth surface, but not fathom~proof. fathom-tale n. Mining a fixed sum for every fathom excavated. ΚΠ 1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 132 Fathom-tale..probably arises from the payment for such work by the space excavated, and not by the ore produced. fathom-wood n. [compare Swedish famnved, German fadenholz] (see quot. 1867). ΚΠ 1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Fathom-wood, slab and other offal of timber, sold at the yards, by fathom lots. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2022). fathomv. Brit. /ˈfað(ə)m/, U.S. /ˈfæðəm/ Forms: Old English fæðmian, Middle English fadme, Middle English faþme, 1500s–1600s fadom(e, fathame, 1600s fathome, 1600s– fathom. Etymology: Old English fæðmian = Old High German fademôn , Old Norse faþma (Icelandic faðma , Danish favne , Swedish famna ) < Old Germanic faþmôjan , < faþmo- fathom n. 1. a. transitive. To encircle with extended arms. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surrounding > surround or lie around [verb (transitive)] > surround closely or tightly clipc825 fathomOE windc1175 truss1340 embracec1360 bindc1384 clasp1447 complect1523 circumplect1578 embrace1578 enclasp1596 entwist1600 beclasp1608 chaina1616 inclipa1616 corsleta1625 circumplex1632 enlace1633 entwine1633 comply1648 throttle1863 c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 1295 And mine armes weren so longe, That I fadmede, al at ones, Denemark, with mine longe bones. 1637 J. Pocklington Altare Christianum 91 It contained too many Cubits for him to..fathome it round about. 1646 J. Hall Horæ Vacivæ 71 No man ought to graspe more then he can well fathome. 1775 in J. Ash New Dict. Eng. Lang. 1810 J. Hodgson in Raine Mem. J. Hodgson (1857) I. 65 Ten trunks each more than I can fathom. 1828 W. Scott Jrnl. 23 May (1941) 250 Trees..so thick that a man could not fathom them. figurative and in extended use.OE Andreas (1932) 1572 Wæter fæðmedon, fleow firgendstream, flod wæs on luste, oþþæt breost oferstag, brim weallende, eorlum oð exle.OE Beowulf 3133 Leton..flod fæðmian frætwa hyrde.1629 P. Massinger Roman Actor v. i. sig. K2^v Cæsar..in his armes Fadoming the earth.1644 K. Digby Two Treat. Ded. sig. ẽ Flashy wits..can not fadome the whole extent of a large discourse. †b. To clasp or embrace (a person). to fathom together: to embrace mutually. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > embrace > [verb (transitive)] clipc950 freeOE beclipc1000 windc1175 fang?c1200 yokec1275 umgripea1300 to take in (also into, on) one's armsc1300 umbefold14.. collc1320 lapc1350 bracec1375 embracec1386 clapa1400 folda1400 halsea1400 umbeclapa1400 accollc1400 fathomc1400 halchc1400 haspc1400 hoderc1440 plighta1450 plet?a1500 cuddlec1520 complect1523 umbfoldc1540 clasp1549 culla1564 cully1576 huggle1583 embosom1590 wrap1594 collya1600 cling1607 bosom1608 grasp1609 comply1648 huddlea1650 smuggle1679 inarm1713 snuggle1775 cwtch1965 the mind > emotion > love > embrace > [verb (transitive)] > embrace mutually to fathom togetherc1400 interbrace1592 c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 399 Frendez fellen in fere faþmed to-geder. c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 145 Fadmyn (fadomyn, P.), ulno. 1614 T. Adams Diuells Banket iv. 190 Lasciuious Dalila's..fadomed him in the armes of lust. 2. a. Of two or more persons: To encircle by extending the arms in line, with the view of measuring the girth. Obsolete exc. archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > measurement of other dimensions > measure other dimensions [verb (transitive)] > take the girth of > measure girth with arms fathom1555 1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde ii. iv. f. 68^v Seuen men..with theyr armes streached furthe, were scarsely able too fathame them [trees] aboute. 1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie iii. sig. Ppp3^v Stocks of Vines..as big in bulk as two men can fathom. 1720 W. R. Chetwood Voy. Capt. R. Falconer ii. 112 Mr. Musgrave and I cou'd but just fathom it. 1874 G. W. Dasent Tales from Fjeld 261 We will fathom it [a tree] and then we shall soon see. b. Of one person: To measure in fathoms by means of the two outstretched arms. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > measure (off) a length or distance [verb (transitive)] > using outstretched arms fathom1680 1680 Play-bill in Rendle & Norman Inns Old Southwk. He [the Gyant] now reaches ten foot and a half, fathoms near eight feet, spans fifteen inches. 1786 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 161 Take an opportunity of going..to a Bear-stack, and fathom it three times round. The last fathom of the last time, you will catch in your arms, the appearance of your future conjugal yoke-fellow. †3. intransitive. to fathom about: to try what the arms will take in; to grope about. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > touch and feeling > touching > touching with the hand > touch or feel with the hand [verb (intransitive)] > grope about feela1382 to fathom aboutc1400 to feel (out) one's waya1450 grabble1579 pouter1812 c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 273 Þer he festnes þe fete & fathmez aboute, & stod vp in his stomak. 4. a. transitive. To measure with a fathom-line; to ascertain the depth of (water); to sound. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measure [verb (transitive)] bemetec893 meteOE mensurec1429 gaugec1440 measure1456 to take a scantling of1585 fathom1611 admetiate1623 quantify1627 span1641 to take (also get) the measure of1650 mensurate1653 to take the gauge of1780 spoil1794 quantitate1900 pace1955 the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)] yknoweOE acknowOE anyeteOE latchc1000 undernimc1000 understandc1000 underyetec1000 afindOE knowOE seeOE onfangc1175 takec1175 underfindc1200 underfonga1300 undertakea1300 kenc1330 gripea1340 comprehend1340 comprendc1374 espyc1374 perceivea1387 to take for ——?1387 catcha1398 conceivea1398 intenda1400 overtakea1400 tenda1400 havec1405 henta1450 comprise1477 skilla1500 brook1548 apprend1567 compass1576 perstanda1577 endue1590 sound1592 engrasp1593 in1603 fathom1611 resent1614 receivea1616 to take up1617 apprehend1631 to take in1646 grasp1680 understumblec1681 forstand1682 savvy1686 overstand1699 uptake1726 nouse1779 twig1815 undercumstand1824 absorb1840 sense1844 undercumstumble1854 seize1855 intelligize1865 dig1935 read1956 a1661 W. Brereton Trav. (1844) 5 Fathoming the depth of the water over against Brill, we found [etc.]. 1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 253 In other places..[the Ocean] never hitherto has been fathomed. 1721–1800 in N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. 1860 M. F. Maury Physical Geogr. Sea (ed. 8) xiii. §563 Attempts to fathom the ocean, both by sound and pressure. figurative.1611 S. Hieron Spirituall Sonne-ship ii. 47 This Loue, to bee Sonnes, who can fadome it?1641 R. Carpenter Experience, Hist., & Divinitie v. xvii. 314 O God, who can fadome thy eternity?1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 23 To sound the depths, and fathom..The Peoples hearts.1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron II. vi. xvii. 64 An abyss of Wisdom which our line cannot fathom.1875 P. G. Hamerton Intellect. Life (ed. 2) viii. i. 281 A..French nobleman whose ignorance I have frequent opportunities of fathoming. b. To get to the bottom of, dive into, penetrate, see through, thoroughly understand. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > sharpness, shrewdness, insight > penetrate, discern [verb (transitive)] piercea1398 to look througha1525 insee1541 penetrate?1563 to see through ——1565 to look through ——1580 understand1587 to break through1597 fathom1633 unfathom1707 1633 P. Massinger New Way to pay Old Debts v. i. sig. K4 The..Statesman..beleeues he fathomes The counsels of all Kingdomes on the earth. 1688 J. Smith Compl. Disc. Baroscope iv. 91 Causes..very difficult for Human Wit to Fathom. 1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. ix. 400 There was some treachery designed him, which he could not yet fathom. 1781 F. Burney Let. June in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (2003) IV. 372 [His] Character I am at this moment unable to fathom. 1839 T. Keightley Hist. Eng. (new ed.) I. 443 He could conceal his own designs and fathom those of others. 1853 C. Brontë Villette III. xxxix. 221 I saw something in that lad's eye I never quite fathomed. 5. intransitive. To take soundings. literal and figurative. Also, †to fathom into: to enquire into. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > investigation, inspection > investigate, inspect [verb (intransitive)] inquirec1330 aska1382 ensearch1382 questiona1500 investigate?1520 vestigatea1561 to look into ——1561 perpend1568 mouse1575 rake1603 undergo1605 fathom1607 ravel1618 examine1628 inquisition1644 to cast abouta1676 inspect1703 sound1793 disquisitea1823 look-see1862 to cast about one1867 1607 T. Middleton Revengers Trag. i. sig. B4 And deepely fadomd into all estates. 1751 R. Paltock Life Peter Wilkins I. ix. 76 Upon fathoming, I could find no Bottom. 1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity III. vi. ii. 22 The philosopher..went fathoming on..in the very abysses of human thought. 1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 72 I can fathom by no plummet-line sunk in life's apparent laws. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.a800v.OE
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