Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SOUND, v.t.¹ [Sp. sondar or sondear; Fr. sonder. This word is probably connected with the L. sonus, Eng. sound, the primary sense of which is to stretch or reach.]

1. To try, as the depth of water and the quality of the ground, by sinking a plummet or lead, attached to a line on; which are marked the number of fathoms. The lower end of the lead is covered with tallow, by means of which some portion of the earth, sand, gravel, shells, &c. of the bottom, adhere to it and are drawn up. By these means, and the depth of water and the nature of the bottom, which are carefully marked on good charts, seamen may know how far a ship is from land in the night or in thick weather, and in many cases when the land is too remote to be visible.
2. To introduce a sound into the bladder of a patient, in order to ascertain whether a stone is there or not. When a patient is to be sounded. – Cooper.
3. To try; to examine; to discover or endeavor to discover that which lies concealed in another's breast; to search out the intention, opinion, will or desires. I was in jest, / And by that offer meant to sound your breast. – Dryden. I've sounded my Numidians man by man. – Addison.