2. Of or pertaining to a father.

Fa"ther*ship, n. The state of being a father; fatherhood; paternity.

Fath"om (f"m), n. [OE. fadme, fame, AS. fÊm fathom, the embracing

arms; akin to OS. famos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom,

OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. famr fathom, Sw.

famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. &?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to spread out,

&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; outspread, flat, L. 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.

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. 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.

Fath"om*a*ble (?), a. Capable of being fathomed.

Fath"om*er (?), n. One who fathoms.

Fath"om*less, a. 1. Incapable of being fathomed; immeasurable; that can

not be sounded.

And buckle in a waist most fathomless.

Shak.