Excursion \Ex*cur"sion\ [L. excursio: cf. F. excursion. See Excurrent.]

1. A running or going out or forth; an expedition; a sally.

Far on excursion toward the gates of hell. --Milton.

They would make excursions and waste the country. --Holland.

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

3. A wandering from a subject; digression.

I am not in a scribbling mood, and shall therefore make no excursions. --Cowper.

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

Syn: Journey; tour; ramble; jaunt. See Journey.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)