SG Heritage Dictionary

Parenthesis [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. A sentence, or certain words inserted in a sentence, which interrupt the sense or natural connection of words, but serve to explain or qualify the sense of the principal sentence. The parenthesis is usually included in hooks or curved lines, thus.

2. These officers, whom they still call bishops, are to be elected to a provision comparatively mean, through the same arts, (that is, electioneering arts, ) by men of all religious tenets that are known or can be invented.

3. Do not suffer every occasional thought to carry you away into a long parenthesis

Parenthesis [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. A word, phrase, or sentence, by way of comment or explanation, inserted in, or attached to, a sentence which would be grammatically complete without it. It is usually inclosed within curved lines (see def. 2 below), or dashes.

2. One of the curved lines () which inclose a parenthetic word or phrase.