Theme (?), n. [OE. teme, OF. teme, F. theme, L. thema, Gr. , fr. to set, place. See Do, and cf. Thesis.]

1.

A subject or topic on which a person writes or speaks; a proposition for discussion or argument; a text.

My theme is alway one and ever was. Chaucer.

And when a soldier was the theme, my name Was not far off. Shak.

2.

Discourse on a certain subject.

Then ran repentance and rehearsed his theme. Piers Plowman.

It was the subject of my theme. Shak.

3.

A composition or essay required of a pupil.

Locke.

4. Gram.

A noun or verb, not modified by inflections; also, that part of a noun or verb which remains unchanged (except by euphonic variations) in declension or conjugation; stem.

5.

That by means of which a thing is done; means; instrument.

[Obs.]

Swift.

6. Mus.

The leading subject of a composition or a movement.

 

© Webster 1913.