Scheme /(?)/

Scheme

n.
  1. A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
    The appearance and outward scheme of things.
    Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity.
    Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy.
    — J. Edwards.
    The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life.
  2. A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme.
    The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.
  3. Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.
    To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France.
  4. A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event. (Astrol.)
    A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.
    He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief; 'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death.
    Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours; I founded palaces, and planted bowers.
Syn. -- Plan; project; contrivance; purpose; device; plot.

Scheme, Plan. Scheme and plan are subordinate to design; they propose modes of carrying our designs into effect. Scheme is the least definite of the two, and lies more in speculation. A plan is drawn out into details with a view to being carried into effect. As schemes are speculative, they often prove visionary; hence the opprobrious use of the words schemer and scheming. Plans, being more practical, are more frequently carried into effect.

Scheme

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Schemed; p. pr. & vb. n. Scheming

  1. To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.
    That wickedness which schemed, and executed, his destruction.
    — G. Stuart.

Scheme

v. i.
  1. To form a scheme or schemes.