[a. L. conspectus a looking at, view, survey, f. conspicĕre to look at attentively.]
1. A general view or comprehensive survey (with the mind’s eye).
1836–7. Sir W. Hamilton, Metaph., xxvi. (1859), II. 150. Unless you have descended from a conspectus of the whole face to a detailed examination of its parts.
1879. M. Pattison, Milton, ii. 19. To get at a conspectus of the general current of affairs rather than to study minutely a single period.
2. More usually concr. A tabulation of particulars or details presenting a general view of them; a synopsis, digest.
1838–9. Hallam, Hist. Lit., II. viii. II. § 65. 363. A compilation by Clessius, purporting to be a conspectus of the publications of the XVIth century.
1864. Bowen, Logic, vi. 168. I have brought together in the preceding Conspectus the principal technicalities and rules in the Aristotelic doctrine.
