1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Scope

SCOPE (through Ital. scopo, aim, purpose, intent, from Gr. σκοπός, mark to shoot at, aim, σκοπεῖν, to see, whence the termination in telescope, microscope, &c.), properly that which is aimed at, purpose, intention; hence outlook, view, range of observation or action; more generally, the sphere or field over which an activity extends, room or opportunity for play or action.