aperçu

CIDE DICTIONARY

aperçu, n. [F., prop. p. p. of apercevoir to perceive.].

•  A first view or glance, or the perception or estimation so obtained; an immediate apprehension or insight, appreciative rather than analytic.  [1913 Webster]

  "The main object being to develop the several aperçus or insights which furnish the method of such psychology."  [1913 Webster]

  "A series of partial and more or less disparate aperçus or outlooks; each for itself a center of experience."  [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
•  Hence, a brief or detached view; conspectus; sketch.  [Webster 1913 Suppl.]