'Scheme' definitions:

Definition of 'scheme'

From: WordNet
noun
An elaborate and systematic plan of action [syn: scheme, strategy]
noun
A statement that evades the question by cleverness or trickery [syn: dodge, dodging, scheme]
noun
A group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole; "a vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going" [syn: system, scheme]
noun
An internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world [syn: schema, scheme]
noun
A schematic or preliminary plan [syn: outline, schema, scheme]
verb
Form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner [syn: scheme, intrigue, connive]
verb
Devise a system or form a scheme for

Definition of 'Scheme'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • The appearance and outward scheme of things. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity. --Atterbury. [1913 Webster]
  • Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy. --J. Edwards. [1913 Webster]
  • The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme. [1913 Webster]
  • The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline. [1913 Webster]
  • To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France. --South. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Astrol.) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event. [1913 Webster]
  • A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief; 'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death. --Rowe. [1913 Webster]
  • Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours; I founded palaces, and planted bowers. --Prior. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Scheme'

From: GCIDE
  • Scheme \Scheme\, v. i. To form a scheme or schemes. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Scheme'

From: GCIDE
  • Scheme \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. [1913 Webster]
  • That wickedness which schemed, and executed, his destruction. --G. Stuart. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'scheme'

From: Moby Thesaurus