Definitions for: Scheme


[n] a schematic or preliminary plan
[n] an elaborate and systematic plan of action
[n] an internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
[n] a statement that evades the question by cleverness or trickery
[v] form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
[v] devise a system or form a scheme for



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

Synonyms: connive, dodge, dodging, intrigue, outline, schema, strategy

See Also: bubble, contrivance, dodge, false statement, falsehood, falsity, game plan, house of cards, incentive program, incentive scheme, internal representation, mental representation, plan, plan, plan of action, plot, plot, program, programme, representation, secret plan, stratagem, untruth, waiting game

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