[a. L. compāges in same sense, f. com- together + pag- root of pangĕre to fasten, fix: cf. COMPACT ppl. a.1, and derivatives.]
1. A whole formed by the compaction or juncture of parts, a framework or system of conjoined parts, a complex structure.
a. 1638. Mede, Wks., III. 615. By Mundus continens I mean the Compages and frame of the Physical heaven and earth.
1684. T. Burnet, Th. Earth, I. 209. In the body of man there are several compages, or setts of parts … that systeme that serves for sence and local-motion … is commonly call’d the animal compages.
1740. Wesley, Wks. (1830), I. 290. The whole compages of body and spirit.
1802. Paley, Nat. Theol., 48. The compages of bones consists of four.
1819. Moir, in Blackw. Mag., VI. 308. A knowledge of the structure and compages of the human frame.
b. fig. and transf.
1641. R. Brooke, Eng. Episc., I. x. 55. I now demand, Who This Man (Compages or Systeme of Men) is, or can be.
1681. H. More, Exp. Dan., App. ii. 269. There are three conspicuous Joynts … in the compages of the two abovesaid Prophecies.
1724. Waterland, Athan. Creed, xi. 158. The whole compages, or fabrick of the Christian faith.
1869–78. Mozley, Ess., II. 388. In every system or compages of forces.
2. The compaction or junction of parts into a whole; solid or firm structure, consistency (as a quality).
1660. H. More, Myst. Godl., VI. ix. 237. That universal coalition of particles out of which arises the Compages and consistence of every earthly Substance.
1676. Cole, Spiral Fibres, in Phil. Trans., XI. 606. The compages of the parts was so loosned, that the two outward coats … were easily separated.
1710. T. Fuller, Pharm. Extemp., 330. They liquefy the Compages of the Blood.
1759. Phil. Trans., LI. 34. It … thoroughly destroys the compages of the stone.
3. Anat. ‘Same as Articulation and as Commissura’ (Syd. Soc. Lex.).
1811. in Hooper, Med. Dict.
