Possible Definitions:
1. Sounding (a.) Making or emitting sound; hence, sonorous; as, sounding words.
2. Sounding (n.) The act of one who, or that which, sounds (in any of the senses of the several verbs).
3. Sounding (n.) measurement by sounding; also, the depth so ascertained.
4. Sounding (n.) Any place or part of the ocean, or other water, where a sounding line will reach the bottom; -- usually in the plural.
5. Sounding (n.) The sand, shells, or the like, that are brought up by the sounding lead when it has touched bottom.