SCHEME, n. [L. schema; Gr. from a contracted word, probably from to have or hold.]
1. A plan; a combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
We shall never be able to give ourselves a satisfactory account of the divine conduct without forming such a scheme of things as shall take in time and eternity.
2. A project; a contrivance; a plan of something to be done; a design. Thus we say, to form a scheme, to lay a scheme, to contrive a scheme.
The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.
3. A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies; any lineal or mathematical diagram.
SCHEME, v.t. To plan; to contrive.
SCHEME, v.i. To form a plan; to contrive.
