From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]: 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. [1913 Webster] 2. Fig.: To ascertain, or try to ascertain, the thoughts, motives, and purposes of (a person); to examine; to try; to test; to probe. [1913 Webster] I was in jest, And by that offer meant to sound your breast. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] I've sounded my Numidians man by man. --Addison. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster]