From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
1. (Computers) Not connected; -- of computers or computer peripherals normally connected or intended to be connected to other computers by a communications line; as, we can't print the document because the printer is off-line. [Narrower terms: {disconnected, not ready, off}; {unconnected ] {on-line}
Syn: offline, off line(predicate). [WordNet 1.5]
2. Hence: (fig.) Outside of or after a meeting or formal discussion; as, we can discuss the details off-line; -- a term used at meetings and conferences to suggest postponing detailed discussion of a topic so as not to occupy the time of a large group most of whom may not be interested. [PJC]
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
adjective
1: not on a regular route of a transportation system; "an off-line ticket office" [ant: {on-line}]
2: not connected to a computer network; "off-line resources" [ant: {on-line}]
From Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001) [jargon]:
offline adverb Not now or not here. "Let's take this discussion offline." Specifically used on {Usenet} to suggest that a discussion be moved off a public newsgroup to email.
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:
1. Not directly connected to the computer (e.g., an off-line {tape drive}), or with connection suspended ("take the {printer} off-line"). Contrast {background}, {on-line}. 2. Not now or not here. "Let's take this discussion off-line." Specifically used on {Usenet} to suggest that a discussion be moved off a public {newsgroup} to {e-mail}. See also {off-line world}. [{Jargon File}] (1996-02-02)
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