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. [ 1913 Webster ]
The details of the campaign in Italy. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on particulars. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. (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.
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 by item; circumstantially; with particularity.
Syn. -- Account; relation; narrative; recital; explanation; narration. [ 1913 Webster ]