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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Sound \Sound\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sounded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Sounding}.] [F. sonder; cf. AS. sundgyrd a sounding rod,
sundline a sounding line (see {Sound} a narrow passage of
water).]
1. To measure the depth of; to fathom; especially, to
ascertain the depth of by means of a line and plummet.
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2. Fig.: To ascertain, or try to ascertain, the thoughts,
motives, and purposes of (a person); to examine; to try;
to test; to probe.
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I was in jest,
And by that offer meant to sound your breast.
--Dryden.
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I've sounded my Numidians man by man. --Addison.
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3. (Med.) To explore, as the bladder or urethra, with a
sound; to examine with a sound; also, to examine by
auscultation or percussion; as, to sound a patient.
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Sounding \Sound"ing\, a.
Making or emitting sound; hence, sonorous; as, sounding
words. --Dryden.
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Sounding \Sound"ing\, n.
1. The act of one who, or that which, sounds (in any of the
senses of the several verbs).
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2. (Naut.) [From {Sound} to fathom.]
(a) measurement by sounding; also, the depth so
ascertained.
(b) Any place or part of the ocean, or other water, where
a sounding line will reach the bottom; -- usually in
the plural.
(c) The sand, shells, or the like, that are brought up by
the sounding lead when it has touched bottom.
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{Sounding lead}, the plummet at the end of a sounding line.


{Sounding line}, a line having a plummet at the end, used in
making soundings.

{Sounding post} (Mus.), a small post in a violin,
violoncello, or similar instrument, set under the bridge
as a support, for propagating the sounds to the body of
the instrument; -- called also {sound post}.

{Sounding rod} (Naut.), a rod used to ascertain the depth of
water in a ship's hold.

{In soundings}, within the eighty-fathom line. --Ham. Nav.
Encyc.
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