Merriam-Webster definition of parse

[Grant Barrett]

On Thursday, February 17, 2000, A. Vine <avine at ENG.SUN.COM> wrote:

>When I use the word "parse" to describe an action not related to grammar, I
>intend the grammar sense of the action.  That is, if I parse something, I am
>breaking it down into its constituent parts, not merely examining it in a minute
>way, or critically analyzing it as defined by M-W.
>
>Is this a personal quirk?

No, I am with you completely. Perhaps we agree on the definition because of our
computer-related backgrounds.