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 cuttig 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 o at a given event.
A blue case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.
Sir W. Scott.
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.
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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Scheme, v. i.
To form a scheme or schemes.
© Webster 1913.