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. 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. Hawthotne.