Dictionary entry

Digression

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Di‐gres″sion (?), n. [L. digressio: cf. F. digression.] 1. The act of digressing or deviating, esp. from the main subject of a discourse; hence, a part of a discourse deviating from its main design or subject.

The digressions I can not excuse otherwise, than by the confidence that no man will read them. Sir W. Temple.

2. A turning aside from the right path; transgression; offense.

Then my digression is so vile, so base,

That it will live engraven in my face. Shak.

3. (Anat.) The elongation, or angular distance from the sun; — said chiefly of the inferior planets.