scheme

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.

   a blue case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity

2. 2
   noun

   A systematic plan of future action.

   The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.

3. 3
   noun

   An orderly combination of related parts.

   the appearance and outward scheme of things

4. 4
   noun

   A chart or diagram of a system or object.

   April 29, 1694, Robert South, A Sermon Preached at Westminster Abbey to draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France

5. 5
   noun

   A council housing estate.

   It was all too dear. They all just put their prices up because it was out in the scheme.

6. 6
   verb

   To plot, or contrive a plan; to manuever.

   Laura snatches coins from inside a truck to make a telephone call, scrounges shoes and clothes for them at a municipal beach, schemes to get a room key so she and Howie can sleep overnight in the Starlight Motel, steals a Jeepster from a deputy sheriff who's trying to arrest them.

7. 7
   verb

   To plan; to contrive; to manuever.

   He schemed a plot. He made use of the hotel's stationery to write a letter.

8. 8
   noun

   a schematic or preliminary plan

Etymology

From late Middle English scheame, from Medieval Latin schēma (“figure, form”), from Ancient Greek σχῆμα (skhêma, “form, shape”), from ἔχω (ékhō, “to hold”). Doublet of schema. Compare sketch.