[de.tail] n [F detail, fr. OF detail slice, piece, fr. detaillier to cut in pieces, fr. de- + taillier to cut--more at tailor] (1603) 1: extended treatment of or attention to particular items
2: a part of a whole: as a: a small and subordinate part: particular; also: a reproduction of such a part of a work of art b: a part considered or requiring to be considered separately from the whole c: the small elements that collectively constitute a work of art d: the small elements of a photographic image corresponding to those of the subject 3 a: selection of a person or group for a particular task (as in military service) b (1): the person or group selected (2): the task to be performed syn see item -- in detail : with all the particulars
[2]detail vt (1650) 1: to report minutely and distinctly: specify "~ed their grievances"
2: to assign to a particular task
3: to furnish with the smaller elements of design and finish "trimmings that ~ slips and petticoats" ~ vi: to make detail drawings -- de.tail.er n