\Di*gress"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Digressed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Digressing}.] [L. digressus, p. p. of digredi to go
apart, to deviate; di- = dis- + gradi to step, walk. See
{Grade}.]
1. To step or turn aside; to deviate; to swerve; especially,
   to turn aside from the main subject of attention, or
   course of argument, in writing or speaking.
         Moreover she beginneth to digress in latitude.
                                               --Holland.
         In the pursuit of an argument there is hardly room
         to digress into a particular definition as often as
         a man varies the signification of any term. --Locke.
2. To turn aside from the right path; to transgress; to
   offend. [R.]
         Thy abundant goodness shall excuse This deadly blot
         on thy digressing son.                --Shak.

\Di*gress"\, n.
Digression. [Obs.] --Fuller.