digression

noun5

1. •
   An aside, an act of straying from the main subject in speech or writing.

   • The lectures included lengthy digressions on topics ranging from the professor's dog to the meaning of life.
2. •
   The act of straying from the main subject in speech or writing, (rhetoric) particularly for rhetorical effect.

   • make digression... by way of digression...
3. •
   An elongation, a deflection or deviation from a mean position or expected path.

   • This digression [of the Sun] is not equall, but neare the Aequinoxiall intersections, it is right and greater, near the Solstices, more oblique and lesser. — 1646
4. •
   (no longer used) A deviation, an act of straying from a path.

   • By this little digression into Gascony, the Duke had an opportunity... to re-inforce himself with some particular Servants of his. — 1670
5. •
   (no longer used) A deviancy, a sin or error, an act of straying from the path of righteousness or a general rule.

   • Nature... More stronger hadde her operacyon Than she hath nowe in her dygressyon. — 1517