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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
compass noun (compasses) 1 any device for finding direction, especially one consisting of a magnetized needle that swings freely on a pivot and points to magnetic north, from which true north can be calculated. See also gyrocompass. 2 (usually compasses) a device consisting of two hinged legs, for drawing circles, measuring distances on maps, etc. Also called pair of compasses. 3 range or scope • within the compass of philosophy. 4 music said of a voice or instrument: the range between the highest and lowest possible notes. verb (compasses, compassed, compassing) 1 to pass or go round. 2 to surround or enclose. 3 to accomplish or obtain. 4 to comprehend.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from French compas, from compasser to measure.
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The Chambers Dictionary (13th edition)
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The Chambers Thesaurus
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Chambers Biographical Dictionary
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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
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