excursus

[ ek-skur-suhs ]

noun

, plural ex·cur·sus·es, ex·cur·sus.

1. a detailed discussion of some point in a book, especially one added as an appendix.
2. a digression or incidental excursion, as in a narrative.

excursus

/ ɛkˈskɜːsəs /

noun

1. an incidental digression from the main topic under discussion or from the main story in a narrative

Word History and Origins

Origin of excursus¹

1795–1805; < Latin: a running out, sally, digression, derivative of excurrere to run out. See ex- ¹, course

Word History and Origins

Origin of excursus¹

C19: from Latin: a running forth, from excurrere to run out

Example Sentences

This has been a long excursus, and we must get back to our jaunt on the plain.

From Project Gutenberg

But such a retort involves just the dialectic excursus which I am here anxious to avoid.

From Project Gutenberg

But the account suggests another and independent question with respect to which I shall make an excursus.

From Project Gutenberg

This is not to say, of course, that the excursus in the second stage has been a loss and a defect.

From Project Gutenberg

But call it a note or 'excursus,' which is the scholarlike name for notes a little longer than usual, and all will be made right.

From Project Gutenberg