[f. ENCOMPASS v. + -MENT.]
1. The action of encompassing; † ‘talking round’ a subject (obs. rare–1).
1602. Shaks., Ham., II. i. 10. Finding By this encompassement and drift of question, That they doe know my sonne.
2. The state of being encompassed.
1882. Merriam, in Century Mag., Oct., 945/2. A sense of absolute encompassment by perfect good.
