Obs. Also 6–7 compas(se, 7– poss. A corruption of COMPOST, prevalent in 16–17th c.
1573. Tusser, Husb. (1878), 50. Lay on more compas, and fallow agen.
1613. Markham, Eng. Husbandman, I. I. vii. (1635), 38. The best Manure or Compasse … that you can give such ground.
1616. Surfl. & Markh., Country Farm, 335. Earth, mudde, and other compas.
1669. Worlidge, Syst. Agric. (1681), 323. Compas, or Compost.
a. 1700. Dryden, Fables, Cock & Fox, 269. A cart he found that carry’d composs forth to dung the ground.
1730–6. in Bailey (folio), Compas.
