Definition of compass

• n. - A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
• n. - An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.
• n. - An inclosed space; an area; extent.
• n. - Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.
• n. - Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; -- used with within.
• n. - The range of notes, or tones, within the capacity of a voice or instrument.
• 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.
• n. - A pair of compasses.
• n. - A circle; a continent.
• v. t. - To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of.
• v. t. - To inclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; -- used with about, round, around, and round about.
• v. t. - To reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish.
• v. t. - To curve; to bend into a circular form.
• v. t. - To purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot.