Detail, n.
Etymology: [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. The details of the campaign in Italy. Motley.
2. A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on particulars.
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. 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; circumstantially; with particularity.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Account; relation; narrative; recital; explanation; narration.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Detail, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Detailed; p. pr. & vb. n. Detailing.]
1. To relate in particulars; to particularize; to report minutely and distinctly; to enumerate; to specify; as, he detailed all the facts in due order.
2. (Mil.)
To tell off or appoint for a particular service, as an officer, a troop, or a squadron.
Syn. -- Detail, Detach. Detail respect the act of individualizing the person or body that is separated; detach, the removing for the given end or object.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for detail; he lists it under circumstance.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.