1. compass - Noun
2. compass - Verb
3. compass - Adverb
A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.
An inclosed space; an area; extent.
Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; -- used with within.
The range of notes, or tones, within the capacity of a voice or instrument.
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.
A pair of compasses.
A circle; a continent.
To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of.
To inclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; -- used with about, round, around, and round about.
To reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish.
To curve; to bend into a circular form.
To purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot.
Source: Webster's dictionaryPeople travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering. Augustine of Hippo
He that has patience may compass anything. François Rabelais
Prithee don't screw your wit beyond the compass of good manners. Colley Cibber
Precious things are mostly in small compass. Dutch Proverb
Keep within compass and you may be sure, That you will not suffer what others endure. German Proverb
Now my resources are reduced to a narrow compass. Latin Proverb