De*tail" , n. (Arch. & Mach.) (a) A minor part, as, in a building, the cornice, caps of the buttresses, capitals of the columns, etc., or (called
larger details) a porch,
a gable with its windows, a pavilion, or an attached tower. (b)
A detail drawing.
In detail, in subdivisions;
part by part; item by
item; circumstantially; with
particularity.
De"tail (d&esl;*tāl"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Detailed (-tāld"); p. pr. & vb. n. Detailing.]
[Cf. F. détailler to cut up in pieces, tell in detail. See Detail, n.] 1. To relate in
particulars; to particularize; to report minutely and distinctly; to enumerate; to specify; as, he detailed all the facts in
due order.
2. (Mil.) To tell off or appoint for a
particular service, as an officer, a troop, or a squadron.
Syn. -- Detail, Detach. Detail respect the act of individualizing the person or
body that is separated; detach, the removing for the given end
or object.
De"tail (dē"tāl or
d&esl;*tāl";
277), n. [F. détail, fr. détailler to cut in pieces, tell in detail; pref. dé- (L. de or
dis-) + tailler to
cut. See Tailor.]
1. A minute portion; one of the small
parts; a particular; an item; -- used chiefly in the plural; as, the details of a scheme or transaction.
The details of the campaign in Italy.
Motley. 2. A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on
particulars.
3. (Mil.) The selection for a particular service of a person or a body of men; hence,
the person or the body of men so
selected.
Detail drawing, a drawing of the full size, or on a large scale, of some part of
a building, machine, etc. - - In detail, in subdivisions;
part by part; item; circumstantially; with
particularity.
Syn. -- Account; relation; narrative; recital; explanation; narration.
Hear it pronounced