n. 1. The act of one who, or that which, sounds (in any of the senses of the several verbs). [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]