American Dictionary of the English Language

DEVIATION, noun

1. A wandering or turning aside from the right way, course or line.

2. Variation from a common or established rule, or from analogy.

3. A wandering from the path of duty; want of conformity to the rules prescribed by God; error; sin; obliquity of conduct.

4. In commerce, the voluntary departure of a ship, without necessity, from the regular and usual course of the specific voyage insured. This discharges the underwriters from their responsibility.