Schema
(||Sche"ma) n.; pl. Schemata E. Schemas [G. See Scheme.] (Kantian Philos.) An outline
or image universally applicable to a general conception, under which it is likely to be presented to the
mind; as, five dots in a line are a schema of the number five; a preceding and succeeding event are a
schema of cause and effect.
Schematic
(Sche*mat"ic) a. [Cf. Gr. pretended.] Of or pertaining to a scheme or a schema.
Schematism
(Sche"ma*tism) n. [Cf. F. schématisme fr. Gr. fr. to form. See Scheme.]
1. (Astrol.) Combination of the aspects of heavenly bodies.
2. Particular form or disposition of a thing; an exhibition in outline of any systematic arrangement. [R.]
Schematist
(Sche"ma*tist) n. One given to forming schemes; a projector; a schemer. Swift.
Schematize
(Sche"ma*tize) v. i. [Cf. F. schématiser, Gr. .] To form a scheme or schemes.
Scheme
(Scheme) n. [L. schema a rhetorical figure, a shape, figure, manner, Gr. form, shape, outline,
plan, fr. to have or hold, to hold out, sustain, check, stop; cf. Skr. sah to be victorious, to endure, to
hold out, AS. sige victory, G. sieg. Cf. Epoch, Hectic, School.]
1. A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
The appearance and outward scheme of things.
Locke.
Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity.
Atterbury.
Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy.
J. Edwards.
The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life.
Macaulay. 2. A plan or theory 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. Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.
To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France.
South. 4. (Astrol.) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.
Sir W. Scott. Syn. — Plan; project; 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 opprobrious use of the words schemer
and scheming. Plans, being more practical, are more frequently carried into effect.
He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief;
'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death.
Rowe.
Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours;
I founded palaces, and planted bowers.
Prior.