I. ˈskēm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin schemat-, schema shape, figure, manner, figure of speech, from Greek schēmat-, schēma; akin to Old English sige victory, Old High German sigu, Old Norse sigr, Gothic sigis victory, Greek echein, schein to have, hold, Sanskrit sahas strength, victory
1. obsolete
a. : figure of speech
b. : form , semblance
c. : pomp , show
2.
a. archaic : a mathematical or astronomical diagram ; sometimes : a representation of the astrological aspects of the planets at a particular time
b. : a graphic sketch, design, or outline : a delineated plan
sketched a small scheme of the watershed
c. : a diagram or table showing metrical structure or rhyme arrangement (as of a stanza)
3.
a.
(1) : a concise statement in an outline, table, or list : epitome
(2) : a preparatory outline or draft
b. : a plan reduced to a precise and definite often tabulated form ; also : a tabulation of a plan or set of directions
4. : a plan or program of something to be done : a planned undertaking
a business scheme
a new scheme for rural electrification
as
a. : a crafty or unethical project
a scheme to get control of the government
schemes to evade taxes
b. : a visionary project
a head full of schemes and wild ideas
c. : a combination of elements (as thoughts, theories, considerations) that are connected, adjusted, and integrated by design : a systematic plan : system
worked out a new scheme of philosophical interpretations
wholly changed his scheme of life
d. : a planned and often mildly mischievous diversion : lark , escapade
e. chiefly Britain : a governmental or official plan or project
a contributory pension scheme
also : the product of such a scheme
obtained their irrigation water from the new scheme
5. : a complexity (as in nature or social institutions) that suggests or reveals systematic design
attain their rightful place in the scheme of things — S.L.A.Marshall
Synonyms: see plan , system
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1. : to devise or contrive a scheme for : accomplish by clever contriving : design , project , plot
scheming an escape
— often used with out
schemed out a plot against the king
2. : to confine within the arbitrary bounds of a system or formula ; also : to employ in or under a scheme
intransitive verb
: to form plans or designs : devise intrigue
Synonyms: see plan I