COMPASSES
Com"pass*es, n., pl.
Defn: An instrument for describing circles, measuring figures, etc., consisting of two, or (rarely) more, pointed branches, or legs, usually joined at the top by a rivet on which they move.
Note: The compasses for drawing circles have adjustable pen points, pencil points, etc.; those used for measuring without adjustable points are generally called dividers. See Dividers. Bow compasses. See Bow-compass. — Caliber compasses, Caliper compasses. See Calipers. — Proportional, Triangular, etc., compasses. See under Proportional, etc.
COMPASSING
Com"pass*ing, a. (Shipbuilding)
Defn: Curved; bent; as, compassing timbers.
COMPASSION Com*pas"sion, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. compassio, fr. compati to have compassion; com- + pati to bear, suffer. See Patient.]
Defn: Literally, suffering with another; a sensation of sorrow
excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity;
commiseration.
Womanly igenuity set to work by womanly compassion. Macaulay.
Syn.
— Pity; sympathy; commiseration; fellow-feeling; mercy; condolence.
See Pity.
COMPASSION
Com*pas"sion, v. t.
Defn: To pity. [Obs.] Shak.