n. [ L. excussio a shaking down; LL., a threshing of corn: cf. F. excussion. ] The act of excusing; seizure by law. [ Obs. ] Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ L. excursio: cf. F. excursion. See Excurrent. ] 1. A running or going out or forth; an expedition; a sally. [ 1913 Webster ]

Far on excursion toward the gates of hell. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

They would make excursions and waste the country. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A journey chiefly for recreation; a pleasure trip; a brief tour; as, an excursion into the country. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A wandering from a subject; digression. [ 1913 Webster ]

I am not in a scribbling mood, and shall therefore make no excursions. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Mach.) Length of stroke, as of a piston; stroke. [ An awkward use of the word. ]

Syn. -- Journey; tour; ramble; jaunt. See Journey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who goes on an excursion, or pleasure trip. [ 1913 Webster ]