1. (n.)compass an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
2. compass Often, compasses. an instrument for drawing or describing circles, measuring distances, etc., consisting generally of two hinged, movablelegs (often used with pair of).
6. compass due or proper limits; moderate bounds: to act within the compass of propriety.
7. compass a passing round; circuit: the compass of a year.
8. (adj.)compass curved; forming a curve or arc: a compass roof.
9. (v.t.)compass to go or move around; make the circuit of: to compass the city on foot.
10. compass to extend or stretch around; surround; encircle: A stone wall compasses the property.
11. compass to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain.
12. compass to contrive; plot; scheme.
13. compass to make curved or circular.
14. compass to comprehend; grasp, as with the mind.
Etymology: (1250–1300; (v.) ME < OF compasser to measure < VL *compāssāre, v. der. of *compāssus equal step (L com-com - +pāssuspace1); (n.) ME < OF, der. of compasser)
2. (noun)scope, range, reach, orbit, compass, ambit an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet" "a piano has a greater range than the human voice"; "the ambit of municipal legislation"; "within the compass of this article"; "within the scope of an investigation"; "outside the reach of the law"; "in the political orbit of a world power"
3. (noun)compass, range, reach, grasp the limit of capability "within the compass of education"
5. (verb)compass bring about; accomplish "This writer attempts more than his talents can compass"
6. (verb)circumnavigate, compass travel around, either by plane or ship "We compassed the earth"
7. (verb)grok, get the picture, comprehend, savvy, dig, grasp, compass, apprehend get the meaning of something "Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?"
10. (verb)compass to go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of
11. (verb)compass to inclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; -- used with about, round, around, and round about
12. (verb)compass to reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish
14. (verb)compass to purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot
Definition of 'compass'
The Standard Electrical Dictionary
1. compass An apparatus for utilizing the directiveforce of the earth upon the magnetic needle. It consists of a circular case, within which is poised a magnetized bar of steel. This points approximately to the north, and is used on ships and elsewhere to constantly show the direction of the magnetic meridian. Two general types are used. In one the needle is mounted above a fixed "card" or dial, on which degrees or points of the compass, q. v., are inscribed. In the other the card is attached to the needle and rotates with it. The latter represents especially the type known as the mariner's compass. (See Compass, Mariner's--Compass, Spirit, and other titles under compass, also Magnetic Axis--Magnetic Elements.) The needle in good compasses carries for a bearing at its centre, a littleagate cup, and a sharpbrass pin is the point of support.
Definitions of compass 
Afrikaans: kompas
Arabic: بوصَلَه، إبْرَةُ الملاّحي
Bulgarian: компас
Brazilian: bússola
Czech: kompas
German: der Kompaß
Danish: kompas
Greek: πυξίδα
Spanish: brújula
Estonian: kompass
Farsi: قطب نما
Finnish: kompassi
French: boussole
Hebrew: מַצְפֶּן
Hindi: कम्पास, कुतुबनुमा
Croatian: kompas, busola
Hungarian: iránytű
Indonesian: kompas
Icelandic: áttaviti
Italian: bussola
Japanese: 羅針盤
Korean: 나침반
Lithuanian: kompasas
Latvian: kompass
Malay: kompas
Dutch: kompas
Norwegian: kompass
Polish: kompas
Persian: قطب نما
Pashto: قطب نما: ټك، بريد، سرحد: 
Portuguese: bússola
Romanian: busolă
Russian: компас
Slovak: kompas
Slovenian: kompas
Serbian: kompas
Swedish: kompass
Thai: เข็มทิศ
Turkish: pusula
Taiwanese: 羅盤，指南針
Ukrainian: компас
Urdu: قطب نما
Vietnamese: la bàn
Chinese: 罗盘，指南针
