Etymology

Noun

1. Grasp, envelopment, control.
2. A measure of length corresponding to the outstretched arms, standardised to six feet, now used mainly for measuring depths in seas or oceans.

Verb

1. To encircle with outstretched arms, especially to take a measurement; to embrace.
2. To measure the depth of, take a sounding of.
3. To get to the bottom of; to manage to comprehend (a problem etc.).

   I can't for the life of me fathom what this means.