Scope (?), n. [It. scopo, L. scopos a mark, aim, Gr.
skopo`s, a watcher, mark, aim; akin to
&?;, &?; to view, and perh. to E.
spy. Cf. Skeptic, Bishop.]
1. That at which
one aims; the thing or end
to which the mind directs its view; that which is
purposed to be reached or accomplished; hence, ultimate design, aim, or purpose; intention; drift; object. "Shooting wide, do miss
the marked scope." Spenser.
Your scope is as mine own,
So to enforce or qualify the laws
As to your soul seems good.
Shak. The scope of all their pleading against man's authority, is to overthrow such laws and constitutions in the church.
Hooker. 2. Room or opportunity for free outlook or aim; space
for action; amplitude of opportunity; free course or vent; liberty; range of view, intent, or action.
Give him line and scope.
Shak.
In the fate and fortunes of the human
race, scope is given to the operation of laws which man must always fail to discern the reasons of.
I. Taylor. Excuse me if
I have given too much scope to the reflections which have arisen in my mind.
Burke. An intellectual cultivation of no moderate depth or scope.
Hawthorne.
3. Extended area.
[Obs.] "The scopes of land granted to the first adventurers." Sir J. Davies.
4. Length; extent; sweep; as, scope of cable.
-scope (&?;). [Gr. skopo`s a watcher, spy. See Scope.]
A combining form usually signifying an instrument for viewing
(with the eye) or observing (in any way); as in microscope, telescope, altoscope, anemoscope.
Hear it pronounced