1. present participle of compass: surrounding or encircling something
2. present participle of compass: achieving or accomplishing something
Usage: formal

1. the act of surrounding or encircling

Examples

• The mountains were compassing the valley on all sides.
• She was compassing her goals through careful planning.
• The army succeeded in compassing the enemy fortress.
• The compassing of the city took several hours.
• Trees were compassing the small lake.
• He was compassing his dreams one step at a time.