Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Digression
Di-gres′sion
,Noun.
[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.
[R.]
Then my
That it will live engraven in my face.
digression
is so vile, so base,That it will live engraven in my face.
Shakespeare
3.
(Anat.)
The elongation, or angular distance from the sun; – said chiefly of the inferior planets.
[R.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Digression
DIGRESSION
,Noun.
1.
The act of digressing; a departure from the main subject under consideration; an excursion of speech or writing.2.
The part or passage of a discourse, argument or narration, which deviates from the main subject, tenor or design, but which may have some relation to it, or be of use to it.3.
Diviation from a regular course; as, the digression of the sun is not equal. [Little used.]