n. [ It. scopo, L. scopos a mark, aim, Gr. skopo`s, a watcher, mark, aim; akin to &unr_;, &unr_; 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Your scope is as mine own, So to enforce or qualify the laws As to your soul seems good. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] The scope of all their pleading against man's authority, is to overthrow such laws and constitutions in the church. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Give him line and scope. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Excuse me if I have given too much scope to the reflections which have arisen in my mind. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ] An intellectual cultivation of no moderate depth or scope. Hawthorne. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Extended area. [ Obs. ] “The scopes of land granted to the first adventurers.” Sir J. Davies. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Length; extent; sweep; as, scope of cable. [ 1913 Webster ] [ 1913 Webster ] |