The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Apercu \A`per`[,c]u"\ ([.a]`p[^a]r`s[.u]"), n.; pl. Aper[,c]us
   (-s[.u]"). [F., prop. p. p. of apercevoir to perceive.]
   1. 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
            aper[,c]us or insights which furnish the method of
            such psychology.                      --W. T.
                                                  Harris.
      [1913 Webster]

            A series of partial and more or less disparate
            aper[,c]us or outlooks; each for itself a center of
            experience.                           --James Ward.
      [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

   2. Hence, a brief or detached view; conspectus; sketch.
      [Webster 1913 Suppl.]