[plan] n [F, plane, foundation, ground plan; partly fr. L planum level ground, fr. neut. of planus level; partly fr. F planter to plant, fix in place, fr. LL plantare--more at floor, plant] (1706) 1: a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: as a: a top or horizontal view of an object b: a large-scale map of a small area
2. a: a method for achieving an end b: an often customary method of doing something: procedure c: a detailed formulation of a program of action d: goal, aim
3: an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective
4: a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service) "pension ~" -- plan.less adj -- plan.less.ly adv -- plan.less.ness n syn plan, design, plot, scheme, project mean a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end. plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation "plans for a house". design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony "a design for a new dress". plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions "the plot of the play". scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest "a scheme to defraud the government". project often stresses imaginative scope and vision "a project to develop the waterfront".
[2]plan vb planned ; plan.ning vt (1728) 1: to arrange the parts of: design
2: to devise or project the realization or achievement of "~ a program"
3: to have in mind: intend ~ vi: to make plans -- plan.ner n