fathomed
simple past tense and past participle of fathom
Source: Wiktionary
Fath"om, n. [fadme, faedhme, AS. fæedhm fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS. faedhmos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom, OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. faedhmr fathom, Sw. famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. 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. The 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
3 March 2025
(verb) hold one’s ground; maintain a position; be steadfast or upright; “I am standing my ground and won’t give in!”
The Boston Tea Party helped popularize coffee in America. The hefty tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773 resulted in America switching from tea to coffee. In the lead up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java instead of tea. The Civil War made the drink more pervasive. Coffee helped energize tired troops, and drinking it became an expression of freedom.
