fathom \fath"om\, v. t. imp.  p. p. fathomed; p. pr.  vb.
   n. fathoming.
   1. to encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to
      measure by throwing the arms about; to span. obs.
      --purchas.
      1913 webster

   2. to measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the
      depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to
      the bottom of. --dryden.
      1913 webster

            the page of life that was spread out before me
            seemed dull and commonplace, only because i had not
            fathomed its deeper import.           --hawthotne.
      1913 webster
see also:
fathomed fathoming