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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
|