from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Encompass \En*com"pass\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Encompassed}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Encompassing}.]
To circumscribe or go round so as to surround closely; to
encircle; to inclose; to environ; as, a ring encompasses the
finger; an army encompasses a city; a voyage encompassing the
world. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
A question may be encompassed with difficulty. --C. J.
Smith.
[1913 Webster]
The love of all thy sons encompass thee. --Tennyson.
Syn: To encircle; inclose; surround; include; environ;
invest; hem in; shut up.
[1913 Webster]