What does "scheme" mean?
Scheme: 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.
Additional senses
- 2.Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline. To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France. South.
- 3.(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. -- 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.
- 4.To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot. That wickedness which schemed, and executed, his destruction. G. Stuart.
- 5.To form a scheme or schemes.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00