1. Like a father in affection and care; paternal; tender; protecting; careful. You have showed a tender, fatherly regard. Shak.
2. Of or pertaining to a father.
FATHERSHIP
Fa"ther*ship, n.
Defn: The state of being a father; fatherhood; paternity.
FATHOM Fath"om, n. [fadme, faedhme, AS. fæedhm fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS. faedhmos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom, OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. faedhmr fathom, Sw. famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. patere to lie open, extend. Cf. Patent, Petal.]
1. A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; — used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.
2. The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.] Another of his fathom they have none To lead their business. Shak.
FATHOM
Fath"om, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fathomed; p. pr. & vb. n. Fathoming.]
1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.] Purchas.
2. The measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of. Dryden. The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import. Hawthotne.