pos>v. i. [ L. excurrere. See Excurrent. ] To run out or forth; to extend. [ Obs. ] Harvey. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. excurrens, p. p. of excurrere, excursum, to run out; ex out + currere to run. See Current. ] 1. Running or flowing out; as: (Bot.) Running or extending out; as, an excurrent midrib, one which projects beyond the apex of a leaf; an excurrent steam or trunk, one which continues to the top. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zoöl.) Characterized by a current which flows outward; as, an excurrent orifice or tube. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ See excurrent. ] To journey or pass thought. [ R. ] [ 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 ]

a. Prone to make excursions; wandering; roving; exploring; as, an excursive fancy. [ 1913 Webster ]

The course of excursive . . . understandings. I. Taylor.

-- Ex*cur"sive*ly, adv. -- Ex*cur"sive*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L., fr. excurrere, excursum. See Excurrent. ] A dissertation or digression appended to a work, and containing a more extended exposition of some important point or topic. [ 1913 Webster ]