Sound \Sound\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Sounding.]

[F. sonder; cf. AS. sundgyrd a sounding rod, sundline a sounding line (see Sound a narrow passage of water).]

1. To measure the depth of; to fathom; especially, to ascertain the depth of by means of a line and plummet.

2. Fig.: To ascertain, or try to ascertain, the thoughts, motives, and purposes of (a person); to examine; to try; to test; to probe.

I was in jest, And by that offer meant to sound your breast. --Dryden.

I've sounded my Numidians man by man. --Addison.

3. (Med.) To explore, as the bladder or urethra, with a sound; to examine with a sound; also, to examine by auscultation or percussion; as, to sound a patient.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Sounding \Sound"ing\, a. Making or emitting sound; hence, sonorous; as, sounding words. --Dryden.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Sounding \Sound"ing\, n.

1. The act of one who, or that which, sounds (in any of the senses of the several verbs).

2. (Naut.) [From Sound to fathom.]


   (a) measurement by sounding; also, the depth so ascertained.
   (b) Any place or part of the ocean, or other water, where a sounding line will reach the bottom; -- usually in the plural.
   (c) The sand, shells, or the like, that are brought up by the sounding lead when it has touched bottom.

Sounding lead, the plummet at the end of a sounding line.

Sounding line, a line having a plummet at the end, used in making soundings.

Sounding post (Mus.), a small post in a violin, violoncello, or similar instrument, set under the bridge as a support, for propagating the sounds to the body of the instrument; -- called also sound post.

Sounding rod (Naut.), a rod used to ascertain the depth of water in a ship's hold.

In soundings, within the eighty-fathom line. --Ham. Nav. Encyc.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)