Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Scheme?

\Scheme\, n. [L. schema a rhetorical figure, a shape, figure, manner, Gr. ?, ?, form, shape, outline, plan, fr. ?, ?, to have or hold, to hold out, sustain, check, stop; cf. Skr. sah to be victorious, to endure, to hold out, AS. sige victory, G. sieg. Cf. {Epoch}, {Hectic}, {School}.] 1. A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system. The appearance and outward scheme of things. --Locke. Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity. --Atterbury. Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy. --J. Edwards. The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life. --Macaulay. 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. --Swift. 3. Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline. To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France. --South. 4. (Astrol.) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event. A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity. --Sir W. Scott. Syn: Plan; project; contrivance; purpose; device; plot. Usage: {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. He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief; 'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death. --Rowe. Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours; I founded palaces, and planted bowers. --Prior.
\Scheme\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Schemed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Scheming}.] 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. To form a scheme or schemes.