Also 6–7 fadomer, 7 feathomer. [f. as prec. + -ER1.]
1. One who fathoms: in the senses of the vb.
1598. Florio, Scandagliatore … a fadomer of the sea.
1616. Lane, Sqr.’s T., IX. 25. Time, the feathomer of wittes and spoile.
1660. Howell, Lex. Tetragl., A Fadomer; Toiseur.
1790. Cowper, Iliad, I. 726.
| Ah subtle! ever teeming with surmise, | |
| Fathomer of my conceal’d designs. |
2. An instrument for ascertaining the depth of the sea (see quot.).
1823. Mechanic’s Mag., No. 4. 59. The object of the Fathomer is to obtain soundings without heaving-to.
