Fathom
Fathom (fat"um) , noun
[Old English fadme, faeme, Anglo-Saxon faem fathom, the embracing arms; akin to Old Saxon faemos the outstretched arms, Dutch vadem, vaam, fathom, Old High German fadom, fadum, German faden fathom, thread, Icelandic faemr fathom, Swedish famn, Danish favn; compare Greek {not transcribed} to spread out, {not transcribed} outspread, flat, Latin patere to lie open, extend. Compare 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. [Rare]
Another of his fathom they have none
To lead their business.
Fathom , transitive verb
1.
To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obsolete] — Purchas
2.
To 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.