FATH'OM, n. 1. A measure of length containing six feet, the space to which a man may extend his arms; used chiefly at sea for measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of the sea is sounding by a line and lead.2. Reach; penetration; depth of thought or contrivance.FATH'OM, v.t. 1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling.2. To reach; to master; to comprehend.Leave to fathom such high points as these.3. To reach in depth; to sound; to try the depth.Our depths who fathoms.4. To penetrate; to find the bottom or extent. I cannot fathom his design.
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