Scheme

(skēm), n. [Fr. schème, Pr. scema, It. & Lat. schema, Gr. σχῆμα, form, shape, outline, plan, from σχεῖν, ἔχειν, to have or hold, like Lat. habitus, from habere.] 1. A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system; a plan. The Revolution came, and changed his whole scheme of life. Macaulay. 2. A plan of 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. A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies; any lineal or mathematical diagram. “To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France.” South. “A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.” W. Scott. Syn. — Plan; project; design; contrivance; purpose; device; plot. — 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 words schemer and scheming. Plans, being more practical, are more frequently carried into effect. He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief; ’Tis fixed, ’tis done, and both are doomed to death. Rowe. Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours; I founded palaces, and planted bowers. Prior.