compass

compass n

Fr. compas, measure, pair of compasses, circle < Sp. compas, rule of life, pattern.

1. Guiding tool; instrument that wanderers use to gauge direction; instrument with an arrow that indicates the polar North orientation; [possible allusion to Hopper's hymn text: “Chart and compass come from Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me”.]

compass [-ed] v

Fr. compasse-r, measure, design, contrive, regulate, adjust; see compass, n.

1. Achieve; reach; arrive at; travel to; be led to; follow the way to.
2. Comprehend; grasp; finish; get within reach.