From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
-scope \-scope\ [Gr. skopo`s a watcher, spy. See Scope.]
A combining form usually signifying an instrument for viewing
(with the eye) or observing (in any way); as in microscope,
telescope, altoscope, anemoscope.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Scope \Scope\, n. [It. scopo, L. scopos a mark, aim, Gr.
skopo`s, a watcher, mark, aim; akin to ?, ? to view, and
perh. to E. spy. Cf. Skeptic, Bishop.]
1. That at which one aims; the thing or end to which the mind
directs its view; that which is purposed to be reached or
accomplished; hence, ultimate design, aim, or purpose;
intention; drift; object. "Shooting wide, do miss the
marked scope." --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
Your scope is as mine own,
So to enforce or qualify the laws
As to your soul seems good. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
The scope of all their pleading against man's
authority, is to overthrow such laws and
constitutions in the church. --Hooker.
[1913 Webster]
2. Room or opportunity for free outlook or aim; space for
action; amplitude of opportunity; free course or vent;
liberty; range of view, intent, or action.
[1913 Webster]
Give him line and scope. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
In the fate and fortunes of the human race, scope is
given to the operation of laws which man must always
fail to discern the reasons of. --I. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]
Excuse me if I have given too much scope to the
reflections which have arisen in my mind. --Burke.
[1913 Webster]
An intellectual cultivation of no moderate depth or
scope. --Hawthorne.
[1913 Webster]
3. Extended area. [Obs.] "The scopes of land granted to the
first adventurers." --Sir J. Davies.
[1913 Webster]
4. Length; extent; sweep; as, scope of cable.
[1913 Webster]
[1913 Webster]